The sound of the waiver bell ringing at 1 PM CST brought the news (via Chris Johnston of TSN) that former Jets draft pick Leon Gawanke (2017 5th) was being placed on waivers by the Sharks for purposes to terminate his contract.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Folks may recall that Gawanke signed a four-year deal in Germany to play in the DEL with Adler Mannheim back in May of 2023 when he was still an RFA with Winnipeg. The prospect was coming off his best season as a pro but was not able to get into an NHL game. The Jets would have retained his rights for one more season before he became a UFA and could sign anywhere.
About two months later the Jets flipped him to the Sharks for 2019 2nd rounder Artemi Kniazev. Just over a week later Gawanke signed a one-year deal with San Jose. He had 8G 19A for 27 points in 38 games for the Barracuda this season. He was on pace for a career high in assists. Despite how bad San Jose is they never got him into a game.
Kniazev didn’t work out in Winnipeg this season and he went to the KHL although the Jets retain his rights.
For those who didn’t follow his exploits with the Moose, the best known Gawanke may be in the NHL was when Jacob Trouba used his stick to score a goal against the Sabres in January 2018 and post-game said “We’re going to have to order more of these Gawanke sticks”.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
According to Curtis Pashelka of the Bay Area News Group the defenceman will be heading back to Germany to play for Adler Mannheim.
