The San Jose Sharks announced they have played defenseman Radim Simek on waivers.

The San Jose Sharks have announced they have placed defenseman Radim Simek on waivers for reassignment.

He will be eligible to be claimed for 24 hours, and if he goes unclaimed, he will head to the AHL.

The 31-year-old has dealt with injuries since signing a four-year $9 million contract in 2020. He will be a UFA at the season's end.

Simek played 44 games last season and did not appear in any games this season after dealing with an injury. 

"His injuries last year and [he] off to a tough start this year in camp being injured and our depth. It is a lot of things," Sharks head coach David Quinn said. "One of the things he and I talked about was one thing you never questioned is his professionalism. His effort. I know if he goes down and continues to approach the game the way he does, he'll be back up at some point."

The Sharks also sent defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk down to the San Jose Barracuda for a conditioning stint. Okhotiuk has not had much game action from last season and training camp after dealing with injuries.

"He hasn't felt good in a while, so I think going down will help him get into a good rhythm and play hockey," Quinn said. "He hasn't played a lot. This was the right move."

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