there's absolutely no chance labanc takes another "prove it" deal after agreeing to a $1m sweetheart in 2019. he's arbitration eligible and he's going to come for that timo meier money.

in other thoughts--how is this roster any more likely to compete than the roster iced today? it has all the same problems that the sharks have today. weak goaltending, three declining goaltenders eating up $30m of cap space, mediocre depth, no true top-minutes play-driving forwards. These changes are all horizontal.

We know you meant "three declining defenders eating up $26.5m" of cap space, but you're entirely accurate.

Depends on how you evaluate the current core. I think the team's awful play this year is the result of many factors but the lack of skating/speed is an issue (resulting in more high-danger chances against and taking more penalties), which is why I think the Sharks should go after speedy middle-6 wingers.

I also don't think the Sharks are as bad as the record shows. I still think a core of Hertl, Couture, Meier and Kane can be a good team, but they need support.

The Sharks will need youngsters such as Sasha, Gregor, and Blichfield to step up if they are to be competitive.

While Labanc could probably get closer to Hertl/Meier money, he won't from the Sharks (at least I hope not). He is a defensive liability, takes too many penalties and just doesn't produce enough offense to warrant a $5-6 mil/year contract. Also, I left almost $1.5 in cap space in case he or the FA signings needed more money.

The aging defensemen is an issue, but I think Burns could bounce back and I actually haven't minded Vlasic's play since he improved after the first few weeks. He's not what he was, but he's not bad. I love Ferraro, he could be the heir to Vlasic.