San Jose Sharks RFAs: Who Stays and Who Goes

 

The first part of this series looked at the San Jose Sharks’ pending unrestricted free agents and what might happen with them. Now this article will take a look at the Sharks’ pending restricted free agents, a little harder to predict but easier for a team as they control the players signing rights past the start of free agency. The Sharks may have to deal with some offer sheets or the possibility of a trade but for the most part, qualifying offers should do the trick.

RFAs:

(RW) Kevin Labanc

Age: 24

2019/2020 Stats: 70GP//14G//19A//33Pts

2019/2020 Salary: $1,000,000

After a breakout season in 2018/2019, Labanc and the Sharks shocked almost everyone

when a 1 year deal worth $1,000,000 was signed. Labanc took an extremely team friendly deal to help the sharks and in turn bet on himself. Like most of the team though, Labanc took a step back in production this past season but still remains a valuable top 6 piece for the Sharks, especially on a depleted right wing. Labanc is sure to want a bigger pay raise this time around and this is where it gets tricky for the Sharks. Ask too much and he could fetch a solid return for team teal in a trade but the main priority would be to sign him. Prediction: Labanc resigns on a bridge deal.

(C) Joel Kellman

Age: 26

2019/2020 Stats: 31GP//3G//4A//7Pts

2019/2020 Salary: $925,000

Kellman signed with the Sharks the past season as an undrafted free agent out of Sweden.

Kellman began the season with the Barracuda of the AHL where he put up 16 points in 25 games before getting the call to the Sharks where he became a mainstay on the 4th line at the end of the year. Kellman seemed to fit in well with the Sharks but may be at risk of being replaced by younger prospects in the Sharks organization but Kellman could be a solid depth option if Melker Karlsson leaves. Prediction: Kellman resigns on a two way deal.

 

 (C) Antti Suomela

Age: 26

2019/2020 Stats: 20GP//1G//6A//7Pts

2019/2020 Salary: $700,000

Another undrafted free agent, Suomela was signed by the Sharks 2 seasons ago after

being a hot commodity among teams wanting his services. Suomela has yet to adjust to the NHL and has spent the past two seasons back and forth between the NHL and AHL. Suomela has the potential to be a contributing forward in the NHL but has to figure out how to all put it together. If resigned, next year might be his final shot with the Sharks before they give other players a chance ahead of him. Prediction: Suomela resigns

Other RFAs Predictions:

(C) Maxim Letunov: Resigned (D) Jake Middleton: Resigned

(C/LW) Jonathan Dahlen: Resigned (C/LW) Jayden Halbgewachs: Resigned

(C) Manuel Wiederer: Resigned (D) Nicolas Meloche: Let go (D) Tony Sund: Resigned (D) Jeremy Roy: Resigned (G) Andrew Shortridge: Let go

By: SJ Sharks Hockey