The San Jose Sharks announced that the defenseman who had been playing among the forward core, filling in the gap on the wing, will be going down to the San Jose Barracuda. Jacob MacDonald did everything he could while he was playing outside of his natural position for the Sharks but with Giviani Smith activated off of the injured reserve, there's just no room for him on the NHL squad anymore, so he was waived to make space.
For me, these seems kind of harsh but that's this league. He's not been considered as a blue line option in months. Whether David Quinn and the coaching staff just prefer him up front or they feel the depth on the back-end is just better with him somewhere else to create space, he's going to be heading to the Barracuda and trying to help mentor the youngsters down there.
There is a counter argument here to say that this increases the value of MacDonald. Already in the minors, he wouldn't need waivers to go down. It means that if a team wanted a depth defenseman option for the playoffs, they don't have to risk losing him after the trade. In the postseason, he can come up, play and do what he wants since there is no cap or roster limit. He can also be a veteran presence for a team looking for that on the AHL front.
All in all, this has to be painful for MacDonald, but there's going to be a part of him that knows this is far from the end of his NHL career. He's done himself no disservice with the way he has played donning the teal jersey. Someone will see him as a good option down the road, and versitility to play up front will only strengthen his case. He should be proud of himself moving forward, understanding he has filled his role.