In the end, there were just too many talented San Jose Sharks forwards for Matt Nieto to crack the lineup. The franchise that drafted and groomed him thus waived him Wednesday, Jan. 5.
This might seem a surprise to those not close to the situation. Nieto is a 24-year old former second-round draft pick. He was good enough to play for a Stanley Cup finalist last June. He was even active for 16 games of the 2016-17 NHL season.
The reality is San Jose knows Nieto is still worthy of a chance to meet his potential.