NHL Pacific Division Preview: San Jose Sharks

2017-2018 Overview

The San Jose Sharks finished last season with a record of 45-27-10 and 100 points. They came third in the Pacific Division, clinching a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Vegas Golden Knights ended the Shark’s year in six games in round two.

Off-Season Moves

Additions: Erik Karlsson-D, Francis Perron-F, Mike Hoffman-F, Cody Donaghey-D

Subtractions: Chris Tierney-C, Josh Norris-C, Rudolfs Balcers-F, Julius Bergman-D, Mikkel Boedker-RW, Dylan DeMelo-D, Hoffman-F

The Sharks had a very busy off-season.

San Jose pulled the trigger on the biggest blockbuster in recent NHL memory, acquiring Karlsson (cover photo), a world-class, two-time Norris Trophy winning defenseman, and Perrson. Both were acquired from the Ottawa Senators late in the off-season for Tierney, DeMelo, Norris, Balcers, a 2019 or 2020 first-round pick, a 2019 second-round pick, and two conditional picks. On Sep. 27, Karlsson made his preseason debut for the Sharks. Leading the team with 25:05 time-on-ice, he tallied one assist, a plus-one rating, one shot on goal, one block, two hits, and two penalty minutes.

The Sharks made another deal with the Senators this off-season, acquiring sniper Hoffman, Donaghey, and a 2020 fifth-round pick for Boedker, Bergman, and a 2020 sixth-round pick. Within an hour, the Sharks dealt Hoffman and a 2018 seventh-round pick to the Florida Panthers for a 2019 second-round pick, a 2018 fourth-round pick, and a 2020 fifth-round pick.

On the free-agent front, the Sharks re-signed unrestricted free agent Joe Thornton to a one-year deal worth $5 million and restricted free agent Tomas Hertl to a four-year deal worth $22.5 million. Earlier in the spring, they also re-signed Evander Kane to a seven-year deal worth $49 million.

At the 2018 draft, the Sharks selected defenceman Ryan Merkley 21^st overall.

Returning Stars

The Sharks have many returning stars in their line-up this season. Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Kane, and Martin Jones lead the list.

Breakout Bets

Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc are poised for break-out seasons this year for San Jose. Last season, Meier managed 36 points in 81 games, while Labanc recorded 40 points in 77 games.

What to Expect

Karlsson is a major addition to the Sharks, who instantly become Stanley Cup contenders in the West. Their line-up has a solid mix of veteran leadership, grit, and skill. Last season, the Sharks power play ranked 16^th in the West at 20.6 per cent. Expect that percentage to increase with Burns and Karlsson quarterbacking these units. The Sharks will be a formidable opponent for many teams this year.

Photo Credit: Sportsnet.ca

Billy Morrison is a NHL Writer for Full Press Coverage. Follow Billy on Twitter @BillyMorrison01.

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