Analyzing San Jose’s Options For Third String Goalie

In the most recent episode of the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, Sheng Peng was joined by the assistant general manager of the San Jose Sharks, Joe Will. One of the topics of conversation was the Sharks’ current pursuit of a third-strong netminder and the qualifications desired for that role.

In the interview, Will said, “That No. 3 goaltender, somebody that we would be looking at, would have more of a prospect flavor to them. Probably a little bit younger and you could grow with for a little while, as opposed to somebody maybe for one year“.

There are limited options available to San Jose in free agency as the top netminder left available appears to be Kevin Lankinen. Lankinen, 29, just put together two solid seasons of backup work with the Nashville Predators and likely won’t be thrilled with a third-string role. Lankinen is no longer considered a prospect at his age and does not fit the qualifications for what San Jose is looking for.

The Sharks will likely need to attack the trade market to find what they seek. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers could be intriguing trade partners for San Jose.

Unless a buyout is on the horizon in Columbus, the team is likely stuck with Elvis Merzlikins as one of their goaltenders while Daniil Tarasov eventually assumes the starting role. The Sharks could target netminder Jet Greaves who has primarily played with their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

Over the last four years with the Monsters, Greaves has appeared in 118 games while posting a 61-40-12 record with a .905 save percentage and 2.96 goals against average. Greaves could be part of a bigger trade package including winger Patrik Laine, especially if the Sharks are willing to take on his full $8.7MM over the next two years.

In a similar situation, the Sharks could help Florida by taking back a bloated salary. Spencer Knight, the former 13th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, spent all of last season with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL while posting a .905 SV% in 45 games. Knight is poised to play a backup role for the defending Stanley Cup Champions this year but has a salary of $4.5MM for the next two years.

Florida should be able to procure a cheaper option for their backup netminder which grants them plenty of cap flexibility for in-season additions. Knight could then comfortably grow in the Sharks organization with his eyes set on the starting role.