The Offseason Thread

from Ken Campbell of The Hockey News,

One way or another, the date for the start of free agency will almost certainly be moved by the NHL away from July 1. What will likely happen in the near future is that the “interview period,” which appears to have taken any of the intrigue out of free agency and shows that GMs can’t have nice things, will be tied to the date of the draft and significantly reduced.

Amen to that. Who wants to spend Canada’s birthday in front of a television or computer monitor waiting to hear what players have signed contracts while their non-hockey-loving friends are enjoying the most pleasant holiday of the year? (And who wants to spend the entire day stuck inside writing about it? Amirite?)

It’s pretty clear the situation needs at least some tweaks. This year’s free-agent courting period began June 23, which gave GMs and prospective free agents eight days to cook up deals, and that’s exactly what they did.

Damn it, that was something DW could definitely afford.

Good add for them, can easily give you 20g and a tough presence along Pettersson, Boeser, and Horvat.

DW should’ve been in on that having Ferland riding shotgun to
couture would’ve been mint.

But DW needed the extra cash for his tanning booth visits ... He's saving the money for Softie Patty & Old Joe

I think DW is thinking long term maybe the Trade deadline, But he has already said he hopes somebody from the minors comes out & steals a job. I thought Antti Soumelia was doing good last year but I guess Old coach Petey didn't think so. I think DW didn't want Ferland because he's too tough to be on his team.

A night that will live in infamy. 😜

Remember at the height of 'Radil-mania' last January, DW signed Lukas Radil to a one year $750k extension, then he faded back despite dressing for 6 playoff games.  Maybe not the 'real deal' after all.    Radil looked like a veteran at times but his foot speed at NHL level ultimately suffered in late season games, IMO.  I hope he's working out HARD this summer because he has an opportunity.  at 6'4" he could 4C and be an anchor for the fourth line like an Eric Fehr could. Radil could maybe be a more effective Shark concentrating on the defensive side of the puck.  Do it Deboer.  

will also re-state drafted Russian hot-shot Ivan Chekhovich will be given every chance to land a top 9 spot.  That project could get really exciting, his progression since being drafted in 2017 is very solid, no pussy like Nik Goldobin was.  Sharks due for something home grown to break through impact like Meier did in 17-18 season.  DW says he's counting on it. 

One question is how does this compare to non bottom dwelling teams? If you are a terrible team I expect a much higher percentage of your draft picks (non first round) to play. If you are a constant postseason contender less so. Comparing them vs another veteran team not rebuilding would be interesting. 

Wait, who thinks that?

Thank you, San Jose! I'll be honest, when I was drafted by the Sharks in 2003, I didn't know a thing about San Jose. What I did know was that to be successful, there was a lot of work ahead of me. Reflecting back after playing 13 seasons, I really got to know San Jose as a city, and the Sharks organization was the perfect place to learn and grow as a professional. Being a Shark is all I've known. It's more than just wearing the uniform – it's all the amazing fans we've met and the friendships we've made which we will cherish for the rest of our lives. The way you welcomed me to your city and embraced me meant so much. I never took for granted what it meant to skate through that Shark Head at every home game. Celebrating all those big goals and wins with my teammates will always be memorable, and being able to share it with all the great fans in the Bay Area was special. The number of people to thank is countless, but I want to highlight all of the past and present owners, Doug Wilson, all the coaches, the training and equipment staffs, the front office, the fans and, most importantly, all of my teammates. To be successful in the NHL, you cannot do it alone, and I was lucky enough to be around such an amazing group of people that pushed each other to be better every single day. Being able to learn from and compete with captains like Patrick Marleau, Rob Blake and Joe Thornton was invaluable and has made me a better person. Playing in San Jose, you're surrounded by such a team-oriented group, and it made our time in San Jose truly unforgettable. My wife Sarah reminded me that we moved here with a puppy and a U-Haul. Now we're leaving with a baby boy who's not such a baby anymore, a gray-faced four-legged friend and a few more wrinkles around our eyes from all the laughs we've shared along the way. You welcomed us into your city – into your lives – and for that we thank you. San Jose will always be a place close to our hearts and our time with you has been simply incredible! Forever grateful. Joe #8

Apparently Doug Wilson and all of the social media fanboys like Brodie Brazil.