The Sharks Free Agency Struggles
With the Sharks coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, it’s for the best interest for Sharks fans to begin looking forward to the next season. That normally begins at the NHL Entry Draft where the Sharks had the 3rd best odds to win the lottery. Only problem is that pick belonged to the Ottawa Senators due to the Erik Karlsson trade. Fortunately for the Sharks, their pick did not land the first overall pick, instead staying at third. San Jose has one pick in the late stages of round one and early in round two. Ignoring the painful reality of the draft, Sharks fans should begin to look ahead to free agency and who the Sharks have expiring at the season's end, whenever that may be.
UFAs
(G) Aaron Dell:
Age: 31
2019/2020 Stats: 33GP//3.01GAA//.907SV% 2019/2020 Salary: $1,900,000
Dell established himself as one of the best backup goalies during the 2016-2018 seasons but declined last year along with Martin Jones. Going into this season Dell started off again as the backup to Jones but as the season went on, Jones continued to decline and Dell began stepping up his game. Dell took over as the team's starter midway through the season and towards the end, posting an above .900 save percentage which Jones failed to do. Dell unfortunately seems to be the odd man out here as he will likely get a pay raise elsewhere and having Jones still locked up for a few more years doesn’t go well for Dell either. It seems as if the Sharks will move on and try to find an experienced backup goalie until prospect Alexei Melnichuk is ready to take over. Prediction: Dell is not resigned
( C ) Joe Thornton:
Age: 40
2019/2020 Stats: 70GP//7G//24A//31Pts 2019/2020 Salary: $2,000,000
Jumbo returned once again on another one year deal to remain in San Jose at a discount price to try and capture the elusive Stanley Cup he has yet to win in his career. Thornton assumed the role as the team's third line center and still produced well for a 40 year old. Thornton would still provide a valuable asset to any team in contention as a leader and voice
in the locker room as well as someone who can still put up points with his elite passing ability. The biggest question will be does Thornton leave San Jose to join a true contender as a possible last chance at a cup or does he stay in San Jose despite uncertainty to their contention plans. I feel that Jumbo will remain in San Jose during the offseason and if the Sharks are not in contention then ask for a trade during the deadline. Regardless, Thornton is one of the most deserving of a cup and whichever path he chooses to take will be understood. Prediction: Thornton resigns
( C ) Melker Karlsson
Age: 29
2019/2020 Stats: 61GP//6G//6A//12Pts 2019/2020 Salary: $2,000,000
Karlsson has always been that reliable 4th line depth player that every team needs. Not flashy or high point totals but will get the job done through hard work. Melker was a big piece on the penalty kill for a Sharks team that had their PK near the top of the league this season. If Karlsson wants to stay in San Jose then he will almost 100% guaranteed have to take a pay cut or risk being replaced by another forward either from free agency or the Barracuda. There have been little to no contract talks yet between the two but it seems as though Karlsson would like to remain in San Jose. Prediction: Karlsson resigns
(RW) Stefan Noesen
Age: 27
2019/2020 Stats: 34GP//6G//2A//8Pts 2019/2020 Salary: $700,000
Noesen, a former first round draft pick, has spent his career bouncing around teams and the AHL, after putting up 22 points in 22 games for Wilkes-BarreScranton, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Noesen was claimed off waivers by the Sharks and made an immediate impact to a depleted Sharks team. Noesen brought a sense of much needed physicality and energy to the groups lack of forward depth. Noesen seemed to fit right into the teams system. Prediction: Noesen is resigned
(D) Tim Heed
Age: 29
2019/2020 Stats: 38GP//1G//4A//5Pts 2019/2020 Salary: $960,000
Heed has been in and out of the sharks lineup over the past few seasons as the teams 7th defenceman. Heed is an offensive D-man who has a rocket of a shot but hasn’t been given much of a chance in San Jose to become a mainstay in the top 6, without injuries/trades.
Heed is a great depth option for the team but I feel like he may opt for another team where he will get more of a chance. San Jose also has guys like Middleton, Merkley, Roy waiting for their chance to crack the roster. Prediction: Heed leaves and joins another team
Other UFas:
(D) Brandon Davidsson: Let go (D) Dalton Prout: Let go
(C) J. Brodzinski: Resigned (RW) Anthony Greco: Resigned
By: SJSharks_Hockey
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