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Ilya Kovalchuk Visiting With Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks

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While John Tavares remains the top potential free agent this summer, Ilya Kovalchuk is still an intriguing name for many teams around the league. The 35-year old Russian sniper was once a devastating force in the NHL, and is trying to make a comeback after several years in the KHL. Though Kovalchuk had previously indicated he would favor New York or Florida as possible destinations, Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the free agent forward was in California today meeting with the Los Angeles Kings, and has a meeting scheduled for tomorrow with the San Jose Sharks.

Kovalchuk can agree to terms with any team in the NHL, though no contract can be officially signed until July 1st.

The Kings have struggled for several years to create offense with the group they have, relying heavily on Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter. While Kovalchuk would present an opportunity to improve that offense, he also comes with a fair amount of risk.

Though eligible for performance bonuses if he signs a one-year deal, Kovalchuk is expected to be seeking a multi-year pact to return and compete for the Stanley Cup. After already “retiring” from the league once, many teams may be hesitant to commit to him for that long, especially since his contract would count against the cap regardless of what he decides to do in the future. As a 35+ player, even retirement doesn’t remove the cap hit from the books.

The Sharks lost Patrick Marleau last offseason and couldn’t quite replicate his production from the wing. They risk losing Joe Thornton this summer and have both Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski scheduled for free agency in 2019. Though Kovalchuk doesn’t offer a long-term fix, he could help crack open their window of competition in the short-term ad help them get over the hump.

San Jose Sharks Likely To Buy Out Paul Martin

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With Evander Kane’s extension on the book now, the San Jose Sharks salary cap is much more constrained than it was a year ago. Now, The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz reports there is a “strong possibility” the Sharks plan on easing their salary cap by buying out defenseman Paul Martin next week when the window opens on June 15th. A buyout would save the team approximately $2.8MM in cap space for next season.

The Sharks signed Martin to a four-year, $19.4MM contract back in 2015 to provide a veteran presence to their veteran team. Unfortunately after two solid seasons, Martin really struggled this year. The 37-year-old started the season playing two games, but he never recovered from an ankle injury from the offseason, prompting to miss the next two months of the season. When he returned in December, he found that his position had been taken by Joakim Ryan and the veteran was finally waived in January. He played with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda for 18 games before returning to his usual spot alongside Brent Burns. However, he was too slow which showed during the playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights. He was responsible for the Golden Knights Game 3 game-winning overtime goal and lost his job for the rest of the series to Ryan again.

With a buyout, instead of taking Martin’s entire $4.85MM cap hit this year, the team would instead take a 2.02MM cap hit this year and a $1.42MM cap hit in 2019-20, which would save the team close to $2.8MM for next season. With Kane on the books for $7MM AAV for the next seven years and several restricted (Tomas Hertl, Chris Tierney) and unrestricted free agents (Joe Thornton, Eric Fehr, Joel Ward) they must deal with this offseason, as well as the potential extensions available to the Sharks for Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski, the team needs to free up as much cap as possible.

San Jose Sharks Sign Antti Suomela

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The San Jose Sharks have signed European forward Antti Suomela to a one-year entry-level contract. The 24-year old was only eligible to sign a deal of that length, after spending the last several seasons in Finland’s Liiga.

Some make recognize Suomela’s name from the recent IIHF World Championship, where he played four games for Finland and registered one goal. That appearance came after leading his entire league in scoring with 60 points in 59 games, and helped JYP to a Champions League title. Several teams were after Suomela, but the Sharks have landed the 6’0″ center and could potentially insert him directly into their lineup.

Though there is obviously no guarantee that he’s ready for the NHL, the Sharks do have both Joe Thornton and Eric Fehr scheduled for unrestricted free agency in a few weeks. The team is expected to try and re-sign Thornton, and after Fehr’s emergence as a solid fourth-line option they may try to do the same thing for him. If they can’t however, Suomela offers an interesting option for a center that can start down in the lineup to shelter his transition to North America. The talented offensive player could inject some more secondary scoring into a Sharks group that lacked it at times, and at the very worst gives them more depth down the middle.

Sharks Make Bona Fide Offer To Jake McGrew To Retain His Rights

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  • While the Sharks let 2016 draft pick Mark Shoemaker go yesterday, they did extend a bona fide offer to 2017 sixth-rounder Jake McGrew, notes Curtis Pashelka of the Bay Area News Group (Twitter link). Teams must give their selections a bona fide offer within one year of their being picked or they lose their rights.  Typically, the process is a formality but there have been players who struggled enough in their post-draft year to be let go.  McGrew had a pretty quiet post-draft season and seemed like a candidate to be released a year early but evidently, San Jose thinks he could rebound in 2018-19.

Exclusive Negotiating Rights Of 33 Draft Picks Expire

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The deadline for signing draft picks has come and gone, and unless more deals come in after the fact, 33 players—the same total as last year—will see their exclusive negotiating rights expire. With it they will either re-enter the 2018 draft for the final time or become free agents, depending on their age. Adam Mascherin is the highest picked player among those who will be headed back into the draft, selected 38th overall by the Florida Panthers two years ago. Below is the full list of players:

Anaheim Ducks:

F Tyler Soy (7th round, 2016)

Arizona Coyotes:

F Anton Karlsson (3rd round, 2014)
D David Westlund (6th round, 2014)

Buffalo Sabres:

D Vojtech Budik (5th round, 2016)
F Brandon Hagel (6th round, 2016)
D Austin Osmanski (7th round, 2016)

Calgary Flames:

D Adam Ollas Mattsson (6th round, 2014)

Carolina Hurricanes: 

C Hudson Elynuik (3rd round, 2016)
D Noah Carroll (6th round, 2016)

Chicago Blackhawks:

D Andreas Soderberg (5th round, 2014)

Colorado Avalanche:

G Maximilian Pajpach (6th round, 2014)

Dallas Stars:

D Miro Karjalainen (5th round, 2014)

Detroit Red Wings:

D Jordan Sambrook (5th round, 2016)
F Julius Vahatalo (6th round, 2014)

Florida Panthers:

G Hugo Fagerblom (7th round, 2014)
C Adam Mascherin (2nd round, 2016)

Los Angeles Kings:

D Jacob Friend (7th round, 2016)

Minnesota Wild:

D Pontus Sjalin (6th round, 2014)
D Brayden Chizen (7th round, 2016)

New Jersey Devils:

G Evan Cormier (4th round, 2016)

Philadelphia Flyers:

C Anthony Salinitri (6th round, 2016)

Pittsburgh Penguins:

D Connor Hall (3rd round, 2016)

San Jose Sharks:

D Mark Shoemaker (6th round, 2016)

Tampa Bay Lightning:

C Christopher Paquette (5th round, 2016)

Toronto Maple Leafs:

D Keaton Middleton (4th rond, 2016)
F J.J. Piccinich (4th round, 2014)
D Nicolas Mattinen (6th round, 2016)

Vancouver Canucks:

D Cole Candella (5th round, 2016)
F Jakob Stukel (6th round, 2016)
C Brett McKenzie (7th round, 2016)

Washington Capitals:

F Kevin Elgestal (7th round, 2014)
D Dmitri Zaitsev (7th round, 2016)

Winnipeg Jets:

C Jordan Stallard (5th round, 2016)

Poll: Should The Sharks Have Re-Signed Evander Kane?

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Yesterday the San Jose Sharks made a seven-year, $49MM contract extension for Evander Kane official. With that news, the team will be forced to surrender their first-round pick in one of the next two seasons. Had they let Kane walk after acquiring him from the Buffalo Sabres mid-season, it would have been just a second-round selection. The team had plenty of cap room with only a few players signed long-term, and were expected to be heavily involved in the free agent market this summer. It’s not clear if Kane’s contract takes them out of discussions for a player like John Tavares, as they also have potential extensions for Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and others to hand out this summer.

It’s a lot to give Kane, who has only hit the 30-goal plateau once and never recorded 60-points in a single season. That said, he has always been considered an elite power forward waiting for the right opportunity, as his skating and puck skills are both excellent. His production after coming to San Jose showed what he is capable of when healthy and performing up to his ceiling, with 13 goals and 19 points in 26 games down the stretch and into the playoffs. If he can continue that production he’ll be more than worthy of the contract, and he won’t turn 27 until later this summer.

There has been quite a bit of discussion over whether the Sharks should have re-signed him, or used that money elsewhere on their roster and in free agency. James van Riemsdyk for instance could likely give you similar offensive numbers, though his all-around game isn’t quite as impactful. James Neal, David Perron, Paul Stastny or even Thomas Vanek are also available this summer, and have long histories of offensive production. None of them are quite as young, but also likely wouldn’t cost as much.

So what do you think? If we assume that Kane wouldn’t have signed for any less than he did, would you have put pen to paper? Would you have agreed to a seven-year deal, knowing that there are other options likely hitting free agency? Is his upside and early production too hard to pass up? What of the draft pick compensation? Vote below, and make sure to explain your reasoning in the comment section.

Should the Sharks have re-signed Evander Kane?
No, there were better options to spend the money on. 51.28% (361 votes)
Yes, his upside and youth make it worth every penny. 48.72% (343 votes)
Total Votes: 704

[Mobile users click here to vote!]

Bryce Brodzinski Commits To The University Of Minnesota

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The youngest of the Brodzinski brothers has decided to follow in the footsteps of his one brother rather than his father, uncle, and other brothers. Bryce Brodzinski, 17, had previously committed to St. Cloud State University, where his oldest brother, Los Angeles Kings forward Jonny Brodzinski, played his college hockey, where another brother, Easton Brodzinski, still plays, and where father Mike Brodzinski and uncle Steve Brodzinski played in the 80’s. However, Bryce has changed course, instead committing to the University of Minnesota, where brother Michael Brodzinski, now of the San Jose Sharks, played. Ironically, this is somewhat the inverse of what his father did, who transferred from Minnesota to St. Cloud after one season of his collegiate career.

The youngest Brodzinski is coming off a strong season with Blaine High School in Minnesota, a program that has greatly benefited from the family for almost a decade now. Bryce had a better than per-game pace in both goals and assists this season as he accumulated 53 points in 25 games. The 6’1” right winger led Blaine in scoring by almost 20 points and finished in the top 30 in the league in both points and points per game. He’ll likely improve even more next season whether he returns to Blaine or enlists in the USHL before joining the Gophers for the 2019-20 season.

As for Bryce Brodzinski’s NHL potential, history would indicate that he is likely to be a fifth-round draft pick or so next year when he first becomes eligible. Both Jonny and Michael were fifth round picks of their current NHL organizations and Bryce and Jonny have similar high school statistics and nearly identical sizes and styles. A rookie in 2017-18, Jonny posted six points in 35 games for the Kings and posted strong numbers in the AHL for a second straight season, leading many to believe he will take on a more regular role in L.A. next year. This should provide some expectations for Bryce as a pro, though he may develop an even higher ceiling while playing at a historically superior program at Michigan and, again ironically, under former St. Cloud head coach Bob Motzko.

Evander Kane Re-Signs With San Jose Sharks

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It’s official, Evander Kane has re-signed with the San Jose Sharks. The new deal is for seven years, and though the team would not officially release the financial details several reports have it totaling $49MM ($7MM AAV). CapFriendly has the specific year-by-year breakdown:

  • 2018-19: $6.0MM salary, $3.0MM signing bonus
  • 2019-20: $6.0MM salary, $2.0MM signing bonus
  • 2020-21: $3.0MM salary, $3.0MM signing bonus
  • 2021-22: $7.0MM salary
  • 2022-23: $5.0MM salary, $2.0MM signing bonus
  • 2023-24: $6.0MM salary
  • 2024-25: $4.0MM salary, $2.0MM signing bonus

The deal also includes a modified no-trade clause, allowing Kane to submit a three-team list to where he can be traded. The deal isn’t as front-loaded as we’ve seen, but still gives Kane a lot of the money up front in signing bonuses, making it more difficult to buyout in the future should it come to that. Sharks’ GM Doug Wilson obviously doesn’t think it will, and released a glowing review of Kane in his accompanying statement:

At only 26 years old, Evander has established himself as one of hockey’s true power forwards and an impact player. We think his abilities mesh perfectly with our group of skilled, young players and veteran leaders. It’s extremely heartening to have Evander join a trend of elite players who have chosen to remain in San Jose. It speaks volumes as to how players view this organization and further illustrates the continued commitment to our fans by our owner Hasso Plattner.

Kane came over from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline for a package that included Daniel O’Regan, a conditional fourth-round pick and a conditional first-round pick. The condition on that first rounder has now been met, and the Sharks will have to send their selection in 2019 to the Sabres. If however the Sharks miss the playoffs next year, they can send their 2020 first-round selection instead.

The former Atlanta Thrashers draft pick has had an up-and-down career to say the least, but seemed to find his footing in San Jose after the deadline. With 14 points—including nine goals—in 17 games down the stretch, and another five points in nine playoff contests, Kane was a huge part of the Sharks’ offense and seemed to mesh instantly with their top-six. Kane entered the league only two months after turning 18, which has allowed him to hit free agency as one of the youngest players on the market. He won’t turn 27 until August, giving the Sharks plenty of prime years left on this contract.

Still, even with his relative youth and early success for the team this contract comes with its fair share of risk. Kane has only scored 30 goals once in the NHL, and still doesn’t have a 60-point season to his name. Some of that is due to the inconsistent play he showed for teams like Winnipeg and Buffalo, but also the injury concerns that have plagued him every year. There’s never been a season that Kane has played in more than 78 games, with that total coming just this year. Though there are no glaring chronic concerns in his injury history, there is a question of whether his physical style can be maintained long-term. The Sharks are obviously paying for more than just his offensive output, as $7MM per season is only given to the league’s elite. This season, only 25 forwards carried a cap hit of $7MM or greater.

Obviously the team felt that he was worth the contract, but this does add some more intrigue to the free agent class in 2018. This summer’s group is full of scoring wingers, with names like James van Riemsdyk, James Neal and David Perron all available for the right price. Though none of them compare exactly to the type of player Kane is, they all are successful scoring options that can bring a big-bodied presence to the front of the net. Each of their prices likely went up with this contract, and could change whether their respective teams are able to retain them.

For Kane, this is a perfect outcome after struggling to find much consistency throughout his career. The fourth-overall pick from 2009 will now have some long-term stability with the Sharks, and should be given every chance to become one of the league’s best goal scorers. He also becomes the only Sharks forward signed past the 2019-20 season, meaning he may be looked to as their key veteran weapon down the road. Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture are all nearing free agency, while younger players like Tomas Hertl, Chris Tierney and Timo Meier look ready to take over as the next wave of core Sharks forwards.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Sharks Nearing Long-Term Extension With Evander Kane

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The San Jose Sharks were clearly happy enough with the play of trade deadline acquisition Evander Kane that they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring him back, which appears to be giving him extensive term and salary and surrendering their first-round draft pick in 2019. Sportsnet’s Irfaan Gaffar reports that the two sides are closing in on a long-term extension, the terms of which appear to be in the seven-year, $49MM range. Per the terms of their trade with the Buffalo Sabres, if Kane does re-sign in San Jose than the second-round pick exchanged in the deal will be elevated to a first-rounder.

It is certainly understandable why the Sharks would want to bring back Kane. The 26-year-old power forward is coming off arguably the best season of his career and certainly his best campaign since being traded to Buffalo from the Winnipeg Jets in 2015. Kane finished the year with 29 goals and 54 points and nine of those goals along with five assists came during the 17-game span that he spent in San Jose to close out the regular season. Kane was the Sharks’ best player during the stretch run and continued to play well in his first ever playoff appearance, notching four goals and an assist in nine games while battling injury. If Kane keeps up that level of play in San Jose, he could be a perennial 30-goal scorer and the type of finisher that the team has sorely lacked outside of Logan Couture. 

Nevertheless, some will balk at the cost associated with re-signing Kane, especially after this report. Giving up a first-round pick has already scared away some fans and analysts alike when the idea of the Sharks bringing back Kane first came up. However, this rumored term and salary is also likely to turn more than a few heads. Though undeniably talented, Kane has been able to put together a complete star-caliber season just twice in his career and brings both off-ice issues and on-ice consistency and effort concerns. Granted, he appeared to fit well and play hard in San Jose, but that is not guaranteed to continue and especially not over seven years or so. The Sharks have enough cap space this season to target some of the biggest names on the market and enough talent to attract those players as well, but some will speculate that an extension for Kane of this amount would take them out of the running for a John Tavares or John Carlson, which could also upset fans and eliminate a major opportunity for San Jose.

However, the Sharks acquired Kane primarily for this year’s playoff run and he performed beyond expectations for a very fair price – Danny O’Regan, a second-rounder, and a fourth-rounder. Even if that pick becomes a first-round selection next year, it still isn’t an extreme over-payment by the Sharks given what they got out of Kane. San Jose now has exclusive right to negotiate with Kane, something they don’t have with the likes of Tavares and Carlson and something that they’ll lose come July 1st. If the team feels that an extension based on his strong trial run is the right move and the best way to use the bulk of their cap space, then doing what it takes to keep Kane, a top five free agent, from hitting the market makes sense. There is absolutely risk associated with a decision of this reported magnitude, but it could pay off for GM Doug Wilson and the Sharks.

William Carrier’s Return For Vegas Is Uncertain

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When William Carrier was first ruled out of the final game of the second round for the Golden Knights, a Game Six win over the San Jose Sharks, head coach Gerard Gallant simply said that he was “day-to-day” and did not disclose the nature of the injury. Carrier had left Game Five with just four minutes of ice time to show for his participation, but there was no specific incident in the game to cite for his exit. Instead, it seemed that perhaps this was just a minor nagging injury. Carrier then traveled with Vegas to Winnipeg for the start of the Western Conference Finals only to be ruled out of Game One. Now, beat writer Steve Carp reports that Carrier did not skate today at Knights practice and feels that the energy forward is unlikely to suit up in the series at all. If the Jets’ Game One domination continues, Carrier’s season may already be over.

Although no details have emerged about Carrier’s condition this time around, the physical winger has dealt with upper-body issues all year long. Carrier spent two separate stints on the injured reserve this season and was sidelined for 43 regular season games total. Yet, prior to each stint his injuries were downplayed and never considered serious, much like his latest problem. It could be that this is one injury that has been nagging Carrier all year or it could be bad luck and Carrier has suffered multiple injuries, but is too tough of a player for Gallant and company to realized just how serious his condition is initially.

When healthy this year, Carrier has been a physical force on the Knights’ fourth line. While his offense has been meager at best – three points in 37 regular games and scoreless so far in nine playoff games – look no further than Vegas’ first round series against the Los Angeles Kings to see Carrier’s true impact. The young forward racked up 25 hits in a four-game sweep during which time he saw just over 36 minutes of total ice time. That is checking efficiency at it’s finest, as Carrier was noticeably bothersome against the frustrated Kings, especially early in the series. In a match-up against the Jets where the Knights are clearly outmatched defensively, Carrier is much more of a loss than it may seem on paper. His hard-nosed style will be missed if Carp is right and he really cannot return during the Western Conference Final.

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