Marc-Edouard Vlasic placed on waivers by Sharks for purpose of contract buyout

SAN JOSE — Longtime NHL defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic will be placed on unconditional waivers by the San Jose Sharks for the purpose of a contract buyout, the team announced Thursday.

Vlasic, 38, had one year left on an eight-year, $56 million contract that carried an average annual value of $7 million. Vlasic was drafted by the Sharks in 2005 and has played 1,323 games with the organization over 19 seasons.

“This was a difficult decision to make today, with how much Marc has meant...