Another Semi-Depressing Sharks Post

Team: 2020-21 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: May 9, 2020

Published: May 9, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I signed Smith for his speed and scoring ability which isn’t so high as to reward him a contract we can’t afford but he brings enough to work in the top six and get 20-25 goals. Our top six desperately needs the speed that Smith can bring.

Doug Wilson typically doesn’t stand pat with his picks so here I have him moving the 1st from TB along with a 21 3rd and a solid B prospect for Dallas’ pick which potentially we can grab Jarvis with.

Soderberg is an excellent 3C and he will sign for less term considering his age. He’s big and plays a strong two-way game and guys like Kellman and Handemark could learn from him.

The third line needs to have a scoring touch so having Dahlen who still projects to be a top six forward plus Chmelevski who was finishing the year strong with the Cuda on the wings of a veteran center could provide the offense with a needed boost.

The fourth line features a combo we saw a few times this season. All three brought energy, speed and an intense forecheck. Noesen did a great job of leading the line with some experience and tenacity. Kellman was really starting to blossom as a strong replacement for Goodrow and Melker.

On defense the lines are basically the same but I’ve added Knyzhov who had a good year in the AHL and got himself a couple games with the Sharks. If Knyzhov puts on a little weight he is a really decent puck moving dman and does a good job keeping it simple. He’ll make a solid placeholder until Pasichnuk is ready or he might even hold onto that spot for a few years as he is only 22. I think he was a really underrated signing.

I think Greiss is the best option to start next season. He is still a strong goalie, has a history with the Sharks and he won’t be too expensive. He is certainly a big improvement over Jones and Dell. Signing Miller on the cheap to backup Greiss because Dell would probably want a multi-year extension and I think the Sharks expect Melnichuk to be ready for the NHL next season. Miller gets to stay close to California where he lives with his wife and is still a very solid nhl caliber goalie.

I for one am ready to move on from the Thornton Marleau era of the Sharks. It’s time to put that to bed imo though it is not a popular opinion among Sharks fans but we need to be faster and Jumbo is one of the slowest skaters in the league. Marleau still has wheels but I’d rather see Dahlen and Gregor get more ice time.

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