Simek signed a three-year contract with Liberec of the Czech Extraliga on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old defenseman has played parts of five seasons with the Sharks but he spent the entire 2023-24 season at the AHL level, picking up four goals and 13 assists in 49 games split between Grand Rapids and AHL San Jose. The Czech native will likely finish his playing career in Europe.

The Red Wings acquired Simek and a seventh-round 2024 pick from San Jose in exchange for Klim Kostin on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Simek has spent all season with AHL San Jose, scoring four times while adding 12 assists in 40 games. He has 209 NHL games under his belt, giving Detroit some depth on their blue line if they need to call him up at some point down the stretch.

Simek (lower body) was put on waivers Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

San Jose wouldn't have been able to put Simek on waivers unless he was cleared to return from his lower-body injury. The 31-year-old defenseman recorded a goal, three points, 89 hits and 74 blocks in 44 games with the Sharks in 2022-23.

Simek (lower body) logged a full practice Wednesday, Colby Guy of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simek blocked a shot in the preseason that has kept him out of action so far. The Sharks are not rushing him back -- when he returns, the Sharks will have as many as eight healthy defensemen, none of whom are waivers-exempt. That may force the team to pursue a trade to clear up the logjam. Simek has no specific timetable for his return, and when he's cleared to play, he'll likely rotate in and out of the lineup on the third pairing.

Simek (lower body) is about a week away from being able to fully participate in practices, coach David Quinn told Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Simek will miss his second straight contest Saturday due to the injury. He had a goal and three points in 44 outings in 2022-23.

Simek (lower body) was moved to injured reserve Monday, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simek was injured early in the preseason and will miss at least three games to begin the 2023-24 regular season. The 31-year-old recorded three points while averaging 14:37 of ice time in 44 games last year. With both Simek and Jacob MacDonald (undisclosed) on injured reserve, Ty Emberson or Henry Thrun could see some extra playing time early on.

Simek (lower body) is doubtful to finish Wednesday's game versus the Ducks, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simek was seen limping down the tunnel in the first period. The defenseman has never played more than 48 games in a season, so any injury at this stage of the campaign is a concerning one. His status should be updated prior to Saturday's preseason tilt against the Kings.

Simek notched an assist and blocked five shots in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Simek set up Noah Gregor on the Sharks' lone goal of the game midway through the first period. The 30-year-old Simek had gone eight games without a point since returning from a concussion and a foot injury. The defenseman is up to three points with 39 shots on net, 88 hits, 74 blocked shots, 29 PIM and a minus-12 rating through 43 contests in a bottom-pairing role.

Simek (concussion/foot) will return to the lineup versus Vancouver on Thursday, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simek has missed the last eight games and 30 of the last 33 contests. He has been dealing with recurring issues due to a pair of concussions earlier in the season, as well as a foot injury. He has a goal and an assist in 34 games this season.

Simek (concussion/foot) could play before the end of the Sharks' current road trip, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simek has been dealing with both injuries over the last couple of weeks, but he is with the Sharks on their current trip. They play Thursday in Vancouver and Saturday in Calgary, so it's possible he draws in for one of those games.