Sharks to Sign Brad Stuart to Three-Year Deal

The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Brad Stuart to a three-year, $10.8 million contract.  The deal will average out to $3.6 million per season.  The 32-year-old defenseman was acquired by the Sharks on June 10 from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Andrew Murray and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2014 Entry Draft.  Detroit will now receive the pick since Stuart signed with the Sharks.  He would have been eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.  In 81 games last season with the Red Wings, Stuart had six goals and 15 assists for 21 points.  This will be a solid move by the club.  There was much speculation that Stuart wanted to play in California next season to be closer to his family, so San Jose has helped accommodate his wishes.  Stuart will bring lots of defensive and shutdown skill and veteran depth to the team's blueline over the next three seasons.

Sharks Acquire Brad Stuart from Red Wings

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have acquired defenseman Brad Stuart from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for center Andrew Murray and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2014 Entry Draft.  The Sharks now have exclusive negotiating rights with Stuart until July 1, when he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency.  Detroit will receive San Jose's seventh round pick in 2014 if Stuart signs with the Sharks.  In 81 games last season with the Red Wings, Stuart had six goals and 15 assists for 21 points.  Murray appeared in 39 games with the Sharks, scoring one goal and three assists for four points.  In also played in 10 games with Worcester of the AHL, scoring two goals and one assist for three points.  If the Sharks can get Stuart signed in the off-season, this is a solid move by the club.  There was much speculation that he wanted to play in California next season to be closer to his family, so San Jose may have an excellent shot at re-signing Stuart, who has expressed interest in signing with the club.  He will bring lots of defensive and shutdown skill and veteran depth to the team's blueline if signed.  As for the Red Wings, they weren't going to retain Stuart, so they were wise to add some possible assets instead of losing him for nothing via free agency.  However, the Red Wings are unlikely to sign Murray, who will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and was more than likely was just a "throw-in" player for the deal.  If Detroit were to sign him in the off-season, he would likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Sharks Acquire Winnik, Galiardi from Avalanche

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have acquired left wing Daniel Winnik, center T.J. Galiardi, and a seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for left wing Jamie McGinn and centers Mike Connolly and Michael Sgarbossa. In 63 games so far this season, Winnik has five goals and 13 assists for 18 points, while Galiardi has eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 55 games. McGinn appeared in 61 games with the Sharks, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points. In 40 games with Worcester of the AHL, Connolly has 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points, while Sgarbossa has 41 goals and 43 assists for 84 points in 57 games with Sudbury of the OHL.

This is a solid trade for both teams, as Colorado and San Jose both addressed some of their needs on offense. The Sharks get an excellent penalty killer in Winnik, who also has good size and plays with some grit. Galiardi also brings some grit to the team, as well as lots of energy and speed. With the addition of Dominic Moore on February 16, the Sharks have filled out their bottom-six forward positions nicely and the versatility of all three players will help the team immensely. McGinn adds some solid two-way ability to Colorado's checking lines, as well as some versatility and a solid work ethic. The Avalanche get a lot of offensive upside in Connolly and Sgarbossa and both players should get a chance to develop into NHL-caliber players in the team's system.

Sharks Acquire Dominic Moore from Lightning

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have acquired center Dominic Moore and a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The second round pick was obtained by the Sharks from the Minnesota Wild in the multi-player deal that involved Devin Setoguchi and Brent Burns this past off-season. Moore, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has four goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 58 games so far this season. Not a bad pick-up for the Sharks, as Moore will provide some stability at center on the checking lines. He's excellent on faceoffs, has plenty of skill on the penalty kill, and plays with some grit. He should be a solid addition for the team as they inch closer to the playoffs.

Sharks Acquire Tim Kennedy from Panthers for Sean Sullivan

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have acquired center Tim Kennedy from the Florida Panthers in exchange for defenseman Sean Sullivan. In 27 games this season with the Panthers, Kennedy has one goal and one assist. He has also appeared in 18 games with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring three goals and six assists for nine points. Sullivan has five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 32 games with Worcester of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is a depth move at best for both teams. Kennedy could see some time on the Sharks' roster as a fourth line forward, while Sullivan will likely remain in the minors for the rest of the season.

Sharks Sign Brad Winchester to One-Year Deal

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have signed left wing Brad Winchester to a one-year contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. In 76 games last season with the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks, he had 10 goals and six assists for 16 points and 114 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Sharks, as Winchester will bring lots of grit and toughness to the lineup, as well as plenty of size. He should be a good fit on the checking lines.

Sharks Sign Logan Couture to Two-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have signed center Logan Couture to a two-year contract extension worth $5.75 million. The deal will pay him $2.75 million in 2012-13 and $3 million in 2013-14. He still has one more year left on his current contract that will pay him $1.25 million. Couture would have been a restricted free agent next summer. In 79 games last season, his first full season in the NHL, he had 32 goals and 24 assists for 56 points. He was a finalist this past season for the Calder Trophy as rookie-of-the-year, losing out to Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes. This is an excellent signing for the Sharks, as Couture certainly has the skills to become one of the team's top forwards over the next few seasons. He has excellent goal-scoring and playmaking ability, as well as some two-way upside and good skill on the power play. Look for him to improve his all-around game over the next two seasons.

Sharks Sign Colin White to One-Year Contract

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have signed defenseman Colin White to a one-year contract worth $1 million. He recently had the final year of his contract bought out by the New Jersey Devils, which made him an unrestricted free agent. In 69 games last season with the Devils, he had six assists. Not a bad signing for the Sharks, as White will add a lot of veteran depth to the team's defense. He is a decent defensive defenseman and plays with some grit, so he should be a good fit on San Jose's blueline.

Sharks Acquire James Sheppard from Wild

The San Jose Sharks announced on Saturday that they have acquired left wing James Sheppard from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He was still a restricted free agent and apparently signed a new deal with the Sharks after the trade. The length and financial terms have yet to be released. Sheppard missed all of the 2010-11 season due to a knee injury he suffered last off-season. In 224 career NHL games, all with the Wild, he has 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points. Not a bad depth move for the Sharks, as Sheppard has good size and reach and has some two-way upside. When drafted ninth overall in the 2006 draft, he was projected to become a high-scoring forward, but was rushed into the NHL and has been a major disappointment thus far and likely won't develop any higher than a third line forward. Hopefully the change in scenery will help Sheppard improve his offensive game.

Sharks Sign Mat Pelech, Re-Sign Thomas Greiss

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have signed defenseman Matt Pelech to a one-year contract and re-signed goaltender Thomas Greiss to a two-year contract worth $1.175 million. His deal will average out to $587,500 per season, while the financial terms of Pelech's contract were not disclosed. In 59 games last season with Abbotsford of the AHL, Pelech had three goals and two assists for five points and 198 penalty minutes. He last appeared in the NHL with the Calgary Flames during the 2008-09 season. Greiss spent all of last season with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League, posting a 2.92 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 32 games. These are really just depth signings for the Sharks, as both players will likely spend most of next season in the minors. If they see any NHL action in 2011-12, it will likely be as injury replacements.

Sharks Sign Brent Burns to Five-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Brent Burns to a five-year contract extension worth $28.8 million. The deal will average out to $5.76 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. Burns was acquired by the Sharks from the Minnesota Wild on June 24 along with a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft in exchange for Devin Setoguchi, prospect Charlie Coyle, and a first round pick in the 2011 draft, which Minnesota used to select Zack Phillips. In 80 games last season with the Wild, he had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points and 98 penalty minutes. This is an excellent move for the Sharks, as Burns should be a really good fit for the team. He is a very strong offensive blueliner with great mobility, good size, and plays with a little grit. More than likely he will play alongside Dan Boyle, which will give the Sharks a very strong first-pairing defensive unit.

Sharks Add Jim Vandermeer and Michal Handzus

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have signed defenseman Jim Vandermeer to a one-year contract worth $1 million and center Michal Handzus to a two-year contract worth $5 million. The deal will pay him $2.5 million per year. In 62 games last season with the Edmonton Oilers, Vandermeer had two goals and 12 assists for 14 points and 74 penalty minutes, while Handzus had 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in all 82 games with the Los Angeles Kings. Vandermeer isn't a bad depth signing for the Sharks, as he will bring lots of grit, toughness, and defensive depth to the blueline next season. Handzus brings plenty of two-way skill, playmaking ability, and size to the team. Look for him to center the third line in San Jose next season.

Wild Acquire Dany Heatley from Sharks for Martin Havlat

The Minnesota Wild completed a blockbuster trade on Sunday evening by acquiring right wing Dany Heatley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for right wing Martin Havlat. Heatley still has three years remaining on his current contract, while Havlat has four years left on his current deal. This is the second major trade the two teams have completed with each other this off-season. On June 24, Minnesota sent Brent Burns and a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft to San Jose for Devin Setoguchi, prospect Charlie Coyle, and the Sharks' first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, which the Wild used to select Zack Phillips. In 80 games last season with the Sharks, Heatley had 26 goals and 38 assists for 64 points, while Havlat had 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in 78 games with Minnesota. This is an excellent move for the Wild, as Heatley will add lots of offensive skill to the re-vamped team. He also brings a great shot and plenty of skill on the power play to the team. As for the Sharks, Havlat will bring plenty of offensive skill and speed to the wing, as well as a cheaper salary than Heatley. With the Sharks faltering in the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row, there's no doubt GM Doug Wilson was looking to shake-up the team a bit in order to get them to the Stanley Cup Finals. Only time will tell if the two trades with Minnesota will give the Sharks enough of a jolt to win the Stanley Cup in 2012.

Sharks Re-Sign Jamie McGinn and Frazer McLaren

The San Jose Sharks announced on Thursday that they have signed left wings Jamie McGinn and Frazer McLaren to one-year contracts. McGinn's contract is two-way and will pay him $680,000 at the NHL level, while the financial terms of McLaren's deal were not disclosed. Both players would have been restricted free agents on July 1. In 49 games last season with the Sharks, McGinn had one goal and five assists for six points. He also appeared in 30 games with Worcester of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points. McLaren played in nine games with the Sharks last season, scoring no points and adding 22 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 40 games with Worcester, scoring two goals and two assists for four points and 71 penalty minutes. These aren't bad depth signings for the Sharks. McGinn has some two-way skill, plenty of scoring upside, and some versatility. Look for him to compete hard for a roster spot at training camp. McLaren brings lots of size, grit, and physical play to the Sharks. Given his skill level, look for him to split time between San Jose and Worcester next season.

Sharks Re-Sign Andrew Desjardins and Alex Stalock

The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed left wing Andrew Desjardins and goaltender Alex Stalock to one-year contract extensions. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Both players would have been restricted free agents on July 1. In 17 games last season with the Sharks, Desjardins had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 58 games with Worcester of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points. Stalock played in one game with San Jose last season, winning that game and not allowing a single goal. He also appeared in 41 games with Worcester, posting a 19-17-4 record, with a 2.63 GAA and a .907 save percentage. These aren't bad depth signings for the Sharks. Desjardins will likely land a fourth line role with the team next season and will bring plenty of toughness and energy to the lineup. Stalock has some upside as a backup goaltender, but will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors with Antti Niemi and Antero Niittymaki set to be the goaltending tandem in San Jose for 2011-12.

Sharks Acquire Brent Burns from Wild for Setoguchi, Coyle

The San Jose Sharks announced on Friday evening that they have acquired defenseman Brent Burns and a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for right wing Devin Setoguchi, prospect right wing Charlie Coyle, and their first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Wild used the first round pick to draft center Zack Phillips. Burns will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, while Setoguchi just signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension. Coyle has yet to sign a standard entry-level contract. In 80 games last season with the Wild, Burns had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points and 98 penalty minutes, while Setoguchi had 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 72 games with the Sharks. Coyle appeared in 37 games with Boston University, scoring seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points. Not a bad move for the Sharks and Wild, as all three players involved in the trade will satisfy needs for both teams. San Jose gets a very strong offensive blueliner in Burns who should be an excellent fit alongside Dan Boyle even though they paid a steep price to acquire him. Setoguchi will bring some much-needed offensive depth and goal-scoring skill to the Wild's lineup despite being a bit inconsistent in his scoring. Coyle gives Minnesota a decent offensive prospect, but he is still a few seasons away from seeing any NHL action.

Sharks Sign Devin Setoguchi to Three-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Devin Setoguchi to a three-year contract extension worth $9 million. The deal will average out to $3 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 72 games last season, he had 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points. This is a decent signing for the Sharks, as Setoguchi has plenty of offensive and goal-scoring skill despite being a bit inconsistent. Look for Setoguchi to improve his consistency in the off-season to better his offensive output in 2011-12. If he can improve his offensive output, his $3 million per season could end up being a bargain.

Sharks Sign Sean Sullivan to One-Year Extension

According to the hockeynews.com, the San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Sean Sullivan to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 73 games last season with Worcester of the AHL, he had 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Sharks, as Sullivan will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Sharks Sign Antti Niemi to Four-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have signed goaltender Antti Niemi to a four-year contract worth $15.2 million. The deal averages out to $3.8 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Sharks signed the 27-year-old netminder to a one-year deal last summer after the Chicago Blackhawks walked away from an arbitrator-decided one-year, $2.75 million contract because of salary cap reasons, which made him an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team. In 42 games so far this season, he has a 23-15-3 record, five shutouts, a 2.44 GAA, and a .919 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Sharks, as Niemi's play has improved greatly over the past couple of months after struggling early on in the season. He has good size, can cover a lot of the net, and has lots of experience in goal from his days of playing in Europe. He can be a bit inconsistent from time to time, but he is still a solid netminder and a great playoff goalie.

Sharks Acquire Ian White from Hurricanes

In a second and separate trade by both teams today, the San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Ian White from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Just prior to this trade, the Hurricanes acquired defenseman Derek Joslin from the Sharks in exchange for future considerations. White, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, was acquired by the Hurricanes earlier this season from the Calgary Flames with Brett Sutter in exchange for Anton Babchuk and Tom Kostopoulos. In 55 games this season with the Flames and Hurricanes, White has two goals and 14 assists for 16 points. Not a bad move for the Sharks, as White will bring plenty of offensive and puck-moving skill to the blueline, as well as some mobility. For the Hurricanes, White didn't play very well on the team, but they will lose a little depth on defense with his departure. Perhaps they could go shopping for another blueliner by the February 28 trade deadline if they feel they need more defensive depth.