Rangers claim Vincent Iorio off waivers to fill expected blue line need

PITTSBURGH — Players with an upside are the top target of this Rangers retooling initiative, and the club made its first pickup via the waiver wire on Saturday. 

Defenseman Vincent Iorio is headed to New York after the Blueshirts claimed him off waivers from the Sharks, the team announced.

At 23 years old, Iorio has 30 career NHL games of experience and is thought to have potential as a mobile right-handed blueliner. 

San Jose Sharks defenseman Vincent Iorio (22) looks to pass the puck during the NHL game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks on January 11, 2026 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

His 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame also makes him an intriguing addition to the Rangers defense corps.

The waiver claim comes less than a week after defenseman Carson Soucy was dealt to the Islanders.

In anticipation of more trades before the March 6 trade deadline, which could include the departure of another member of the back end in Braden Schneider, the Rangers filled an expected need. 

Drafted 55th overall by the Capitals in 2021, Iorio registered a career high and skated in 21 games for the Sharks this season.

He only appeared in nine contests over two seasons for the Capitals before the organization waived him in October. 

Vincent Iorio of the San Jose Sharks reacts to the play during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on January 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NHLI via Getty Images

During the 2024-25 AHL season, Iorio’s 20 points in 67 games with the San Jose Barracuda ranked third among his fellow D-men.