With NHL training camps just a few weeks away, non-signed veterans are starting to weigh their options while trying to find a job for the 2025-26 season. One of the most intriguing names that are still on the market-of which some people did not know that it still wanted to play is for a long time San Jose Sharks defender Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
Vlasic recently told Le Journal de Québec That he is planning to continue to play in 2025-26 and that could open an interesting option for contenders such as the Edmonton Oilers.
The 38-year-old was bought by the sharks with the organization this summer after 19 seasons. In his Prime he was a reliable shutdown defender and the leader of the franchise of all time in blocked shots. Time caught up with the defender and his role decreased dramatically. From 2011-2018 he was a reliable two-way defender who could set up points (twice break the 30-point barrier). However, he only managed three points in 27 games with an average career-bear 14:38 ice age in 2024-25.
He is not the player he once was, and although he is motivated and has something to prove, he will play a sheltered role and probably not every night. That may be good with him, assuming that he can give what is left in the tank to a competition.
A PTO with the Edmonton Oilers?
Given his age and recent use, it is unlikely that Vlasic will end up a guaranteed deal. Instead, the more realistic path can be a professional try -out (PTO), and a team that can be a fit is the Edmonton Oilers.
Edmonton has investigated depth options on the blue line and they have one of the better groups as arranged by various analysts this summer. Depth is the key during a long term, and although the team wanted to become younger and faster this summer, Vlasic’s experienced presence and defending instincts can make him a wise addition if he proves that he has something to give.
For Vlasic, a PTO with a competition like Edmonton is perhaps the perfect opportunity to extend his career into a 20th NHL season. It is a long chance given that the oilers are probably more focused on attackers and goal congregation, but does not exclude it when Vlasic continues to look around and finds not much interest in his services.
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