Changes Coming for Sharks, NHL in 2015-16
(Originally published at Sports Radio Service)
The Sharks will have a captain next season, head coach Peter DeBoer told 95.7 the Game on Wednesday. He did not say who it would be, but the floating leadership experiment appears to be over in San Jose.
DeBoer also voiced his support for the changes in the NHL overtime format, approved on June 24. Instead of playing four-on-four, the teams will play three-on-three for five minutes. Last season, the AHL changed its overtime format to three-on-three, but it followed three minutes of four-on-four. Input from players encouraged the NHL to skip the four-on-four and go directly to three-on-three. The plan should reduce the number of shootouts for the upcoming season. (more…)
Sharks Sign McNally and Cundari
(Originally published at Sports Radio Service)
The San Jose Sharks announced Thursday that they signed defensemen Patrick McNally and Mark Cundari.
The Sharks acquired McNally from Vancouver for a seventh round pick during the draft. The 23 year old defenseman was originally drafted in 2010 by Vancouver and has just completed the fourth season of his collegiate career with Harvard. From the Sharks press release: (more…)
Sharks Sign Joel Ward, Prospect Roster Announced
(Originally published at Sports Radio Service)
Continuing a busy first week of free agency, the San Jose Sharks have signed former Washington Capital Joel Ward. The contract is for three years and reportedly worth $3.275 AAV. The move adds another veteran to the roster, something of a departure from last year’s plan to rely on younger players. Ward just completed the second of two consecutive 82 game seasons with Washington, a good sign for a 34 year old. Like Paul Martin, Ward made Dan Rosen’s Top 20 UFA list, another departure from the Sharks’ habitual under-the-radar off-season moves. (more…)
Sharks Announce New Assistants, Wayne Thomas Retires
(Originally published at Sports Radio Service)
The San Jose Sharks announced Thursday that they had hired Bob Boughner as assistant coach. They also confirmed that Johan Hedberg has been hired as assistant coach and goaltending coach. In a separate press release, the team announced that Wayne Thomas, a longtime executive and coach, is retiring.
New Sharks coach Peter DeBoer is very familiar with both new coaches. In the team’s press release, DeBoer said of Boughner: (more…)
NHL Free Agency Opens
(Originally published at Sports Radio Service)
The start of NHL free agency 2015 has been unusually busy for the San Jose Sharks. Just after the draft, they acquired goaltender Martin Jones (3 years at $3m AAV). On Day One of free agency, they signed veteran defenseman Paul Martin (4 years at $4.85m AAV). They have re-signed defenseman Brenden Dillon (5 years at $3.75m AAV). Defenseman Matt Irwin has not been re-signed and seems to be testing the free agent market. As reported by Elliotte Friedman, the Sharks also hired Johan Hedberg as goalie coach.
(more…)
Sharks Sign Paul Martin
(Originally published at Sports Radio Service)
The San Jose Sharks have signed Paul Martin to a four year deal, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. The former Penguins defenseman was reportedly sought by a number of teams. A four year contract might be surprising for a 34-year old defenseman, but most teams overpay for the players they get on the first day of free agency. This is why the Sharks have not traditionally gone this route. Sharks GM Doug Wilson must feel that Martin is worth the risk. (more…)
petshark 