A week into free agency, the San Jose Sharks are probably done making any big moves. They may make some tweaks around the edges of the roster, but the team already has some promising players and they want to give those skaters a chance. But the players they sign have a unique opportunity in terms of their place in the Sharks' lore. This team is clearly in the midst of a reinvention. Still, a strong draft, added to an already-talented pool of prospects, has raised hope that the team might finally be heading in a good direction after several lackluster seasons. While expectations are high for San Jose's prospects, the team's veterans, especially those acquired this offseason, have a chance to solidify their place in the team's history. At the same time, the Sharks themselves stand to gain.
The Sharks have a lot to gain from their new signings
Even though the Sharks won't be competing for the playoffs in 2024-25, they have been aggressive in trying to immediately strengthen their NHL team for the first time in several seasons. They have added several notable players through trades and free agency, and there are a few reasons for this.
One of the most obvious explanations for their actions was their desire to reach the cap floor. With the salary cap skyrocketing and several expiring contracts, the Sharks had to spend a lot of money just to reach the league minimum. They signed Alex Wennberg and Tyler Toffoli to big contracts, the latter of which, at $24 million, was the largest deal the Sharks had ever made to acquire a rookie. With a new team and the money dedicated to acquisitions and maintaining salaries, the team won.
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But the additions can also have a meaningful impact on the ice. Even promising players like Will Smith and newly signed Macklin Celebrini will need veteran help, and Toffoli and Wennberg can certainly provide that. For example, Toffoli's 55 points last season would have been second-best on the Sharks, but he'll be expected to produce the same level of offensive output in San Jose. If he can do that, he'll obviously help the team win, but his ice time will also serve to protect the younger players and ensure they're not asked to do too much offensively in their formative years. While the new acquisitions, such as Wennberg and Barclay Goodrow, aren't at the same level offensively, they are reliable defensively and could be thrown on the ice in key defensive situations, which will hopefully help rookies like Celebrini and Smith make a smooth transition to the NHL.
San Jose has a roster full of young players who are NHL-worthy, but it would be unfair to throw them into the league on their own. They need the insurance and support of veterans, and from the Sharks' perspective, that's where Toffoli, Wennberg and Goodrow come in. They can act as mentors and guardians for the up-and-coming players, helping to ease the burden on players just entering the league.
Newly acquired sharks enter from land
Playing for one of the NHL's weakest teams won't be easy, but the new Sharks have a lot to look forward to. The forwards will be playing alongside Smith and Celebrini, but the opportunity to play with such exciting players so early in their careers isn't something you get often. The blue line may not have the same up-and-comers who are currently expected to be stars, but the Sharks still have some promising defensemen, and recent acquisition Jake Wollman should make the most of the opportunity to play with them.
While the next season or two will likely be difficult, the veterans in question could have a positive impact on their careers if they can push through the tough times. If they stay with the Sharks and are still on the roster when the team returns to the playoffs, they will be remembered as the group of veterans who took on the difficult task and brought the Sharks back to their previous level of success. If all goes according to plan, they may even reach new heights.
Not all of the Sharks' veterans came to San Jose as free agents, like Toffoli and Wennberg. Some came in trades, like Wollman and Carl Grundstrom, and some were acquired on waivers, like Goodrow. But regardless of how they got to SAP Center, they should embrace their situation and strive to be franchise heroes and make a difference in their careers.
The Sharks' core will rely on a mix of veterans and young talent.
Great NHL teams thrive thanks to a combination of dependable, productive veterans and dynamic, skilled young players who have developed enough to contribute. While the Sharks don't yet have the ingredients to be a championship-contending team, this year's draft and other offseason moves suggest they are trending in the right direction. This season and many more will require experienced and young players to take their on-ice development from theory to practice. There is still a lot to accomplish for both the players added this offseason and those already on the team, but the dynamics are in place to ensure everyone is rewarded for their efforts.
