Hall of Famers Ray Bourque and Nicklas Lidstrom are the only defensemen who have played more games in the league with one team than Vlasic, counting the regular season and playoffs.

SAN JOSE — Marc-Edouard Vlasic has been placed on unconditional waivers by the San Jose Sharks for the purpose of a contract buyout. Vlasic, 38, had one year left on an eight-year, $56 million contract that carried an average annual value of $7 million.

The San Jose Sharks announced Thursday that they have placed veteran defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic on waivers for the purpose of a buyout. Vlasic, a second-round pick by San Jose in 2005, played 19 seasons for the Sharks from 2006 to '25.