The Sharks are signing UFA center Alexander Wennberg to a two-year deal worth $5MM annually, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports.
It’s clearly above market value for Wennberg, likely signed with the intent to help San Jose stay above the $65MM cap floor. But that doesn’t mean the addition is devoid of value for the Sharks, who desperately need veteran talent to help avoid overworking rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, both of whom project to slot into the opening night lineup.
Wennberg is what he is at this stage of his career, recording between 30 and 40 points for three years in a row. The 29-year-old has logged heavy minutes over the past few years, averaging around 18 minutes per game since 2020-21, certainly more than he’s suited for. But he does manage decent possession numbers in defense-oriented usage at even strength, and he’s been a fixture on the Kraken’s penalty kill since they signed him in free agency three years ago. He’ll remain a top PKer as he makes the move to San Jose via a brief stop in New York thanks to a deadline deal to the Rangers in March.
He struggled to produce in postseason action for the Blueshirts, limited to one goal and one assist in 16 games. He’ll look for a fresh start in San Jose, where he’ll get a solid paycheck and is joined by veteran additions Barclay Goodrow and Tyler Toffoli up front to help add some much-needed secondary scoring.
An overpayment, but the right kind of player for San Jose right now.
I like this as well. I wanted him to stick around to mentor Matty beniers, but maybe macklin is a more fitting student. Wenny isn’t flashy but he’s pretty solid. Two years sounds like exactly the right term.
terrible at faceoffs, tho
Dude snagged a modest overpay two contracts in a row.
Being handsome counts for something I guess.
C- signing. Better mentors out there for cheaper. Another case of weaponising that cap space we needed to generate I guess
Gets them to the cap floor this season and next (same as Toffoli), whilst providing veteran leadership. Don’t love it but I understand it.
Oh even some short term deals can be ridiculous… Grier trying to reclaim his spot in the bad at GMing column (Steve Staios says Hi)
Great. Another center who can’t score
Did tht say 5 mil per year…. Wtf