NHL Note: San Jose Sharks Waive Nikolai Knyzhov To Explore a Buyout
The National Hockey League team San Jose Sharks announced that defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov, a Russian player, has been placed on unconditional waivers with the aim of initiating a contract buyout. The move was reported by sports journalist Elliott Friedman on the social platform X, highlighting the franchise’s intention to adjust its roster ahead of subsequent decisions in the roster management cycle.
Under the terms of the buyout process, Knyzhov’s current deal with the Sharks, which was set to run through the end of the 2024-2025 season, becomes subject to the league’s buyout parameters. The Sharks, facing salary cap considerations and a need to restructure their defensive corps, opted for this route as part of their broader strategic assessment for the coming seasons.
At 25 years old, Knyzhov has spent the majority of his professional career within the Sharks organization since joining in 2019. Across his NHL tenure, he has appeared in 81 games, recording three goals and nine assists, contributing as a depth option on the blue line. His performances in San Jose have been weighed against the club’s long-term plans and the evolving needs of their defensive rotation.
Before stepping into the NHL, Knyzhov developed his game in Russia, notably spending three seasons with the St. Petersburg SKA system. His path through the SKA organization helped shape his two-way capabilities and physical style of play that the Sharks hoped would translate to North American hockey.
In the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Knyzhov was not selected by any team. Despite going undrafted, interest from multiple organizations, including the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks, signaled strong assessments of his potential. On July 2, 2019, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with San Jose worth a total of $2.39 million, a deal that reflected the organization’s belief in his long-term development and potential contribution to the NHL club.
The decision to place Knyzhov on waivers and pursue a buyout underscores the ongoing shifts in how teams manage their rosters and cap space. This period in the NHL often features strategic moves that balance player development, youth influx, and financial flexibility, all while aiming to maintain competitive performance for the upcoming seasons. Observers note that the Sharks are assessing how to best align their defensive personnel with the organization’s broader objectives, including depth, versatility, and cost control across the lineup.
Historically, Russian players have left a distinct mark on the league, though individual awards can be scarce in some seasons and teams continually recalibrate rankings of players by age, role, and potential impact. The Sharks’ current decision reflects a broader pattern many teams face as they navigate the evolving dynamics of player development, contract structures, and the ever-present pressure to optimize cap management without compromising core team identity. This moment invites fans and analysts to watch closely how San Jose reshapes its defense group and how Knyzhov’s career might evolve with another NHL organization or in international competition, should opportunities arise. The team’s front office has indicated that such moves are part of a calculated plan to position the franchise for sustained success while balancing the development paths of younger defensemen entering the mix. [citation: team press materials and contemporary sports reporting]”