San Jose, CA -- (Sports Network) - The San Jose Sharks placed defenseman Kyle McLaren on waivers Tuesday.

McLaren, 31, racked up three goals and eight assists in 61 games last season for the Pacific Division champs. The ninth overall pick in the 1995 draft, McLaren has registered 46 goals and 161 assists in 719 career games with Boston and the Sharks.

"Kyle has been a big part of our team over the last several years but we are blessed with eight NHL defensemen on our roster and these are tough decisions that have to be made," said Sharks executive vice president and general manager Doug Wilson.

If the veteran rearguard goes unclaimed, he could be assigned to the Sharks' American Hockey League affiliate in Worcester, where his salary would not count against the cap.

San Jose opens the regular season Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks.