The San Jose Sharks acquired young goaltender Adin Hill a few days ago, giving them a potential answer in net for the 2021-22 season. Hill has shown plenty of promise in his limited experience, including a .913 save percentage in 19 appearances this year. It’s hard to turn the keys over to a 25-year-old netminder with just 49 games under his belt though, so the Sharks are still looking for a veteran netminder for next season, according to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic.
What does that mean for Martin Jones, a veteran who is already under contract? It seems likely, as Kurz suggests, that Jones has played his last game for the Sharks. The 31-year-old goaltender is still signed for three more seasons and carries a $5.75MM cap hit, but has played so poorly that he is a prime candidate for a buyout. In 137 appearances since the start of the 2018-19 season, Jones has posted a .896 save percentage, still somehow going 68-53-11 in the process. The fact that he had a winning record last season even on the struggling Sharks team suggests that perhaps if they improve the goaltending situation there are better days ahead for this San Jose roster.
Still, a buyout would be expensive, costing the Sharks at least $1.67MM in cap space over each of the next six years. Add that to a veteran replacement and things might end up being pretty similar in terms of salary cap costs for the Sharks, meaning they’ll need to make sure whoever they bring in is a clear upgrade (though, at this point, that’s not difficult to accomplish). Hill of course is also not proven at the starting level, meaning someone that can take the reins in a pinch should be appealing to the Sharks.
There are plenty of veteran names on the market this year, including many that have been starters or tandem goaltenders in recent years. Frederik Andersen, Jaroslav Halak, James Reimer, Petr Mrazek, Jonathan Bernier, and others would all likely fit the role at various costs, but the Sharks could also pursue a trade if those free agent prices get out of hand. At any rate, it appears GM Doug Wilson’s work isn’t complete when it comes to goaltending.
GMDW is looking for that under-the-radar guy — Bryz!
Nobody beats the Bryz.
Maybe if GMDW packages more firsts he can unload him.
I have heard BUF if they eat contract.
I hear Mikko is available
@oilcntryrdnk – We can only hope that weak-glove-hand-itis will be cured for EDM soon!
Yes Dougy W is coming for Koskinen!!!
I would love to see who they will get next!! And sign them to another 7 year contract !!way to go Doug Wilson
San Jose hasn’t had a decent goalie option since the Obama administration.
I know he’s turned to garbage now, but Martin Jones was good for a few years. He was the only reason the Sharks had any chance against us in the 2016 Final. Him, Braun and Donskoi were pretty much the only Sharks with a pulse in that series.
Martin Jones was one of the LA Kings backups everyone assumed would just flourish in a starting role. Jonathan Bernier says hey.
Jones did have three good years before he contracted Steve Blass Disease. But he just can’t play NHL hockey any more.
Where’s Kiprusoff when you need him !
@riverrat55 – I heard he wants you to show him how to hunt rare game, out in your area of the country! That, and giving crap to certain team personnel about buying gerbils/hamsters/guinea pigs with only one eye for their kids! Remember, @G, hold out for the big bonus for when he bags his limit!
:)
Trade for Holtby.
Would love to see rangers trade georgiev for hertl
Getting real Time Keeper vibes from the picture