San Jose Sharks
Wilson Spells Out What Sharks Are Looking for in Goal Next Year
Doug Wilson is known for not tipping his hand.
Unlike other general managers who held their pre-Draft availability this week, Wilson declined to publicly name any San Jose Sharks unrestricted or restricted free agents that he’s allowing to walk when free agency begins next Friday.
Of course, for the veteran Sharks GM, that’s par for the course.
In short, we’re not getting clarity on the status of Sharks free agents Aaron Dell, Stefan Noesen, Melker Karlsson, Kevin Labanc, Antti Suomela, Jeremy Roy, you name it, at least not directly from Wilson.
That said, Wilson spelled out what he’s looking for in net next year (and no, he’s not buying out Martin Jones).
“Ideally — and it depends on what the cost is, the acquisition cost — is getting a guy who’s been a number-one, that’s a veteran, who wants to come in and compete for a spot,” Wilson revealed.
This is in line with reports from the past month that have tied the San Jose Sharks to starting-caliber netminders Jake Allen, Darcy Kuemper, Devan Dubnyk, Braden Holtby, and James Reimer. For what it’s worth, Allen, Kuemper, Dubnyk, and Reimer have similar contracts — one to two years left, 3.4 million to 4.5 million per. Holtby is a UFA.
A likely shortened and condensed 2020-21 campaign is a factor here too.
“Having two goaltenders, especially right now during this time, that can run with it for a while if needed [is important],” Wilson observed.
Wilson also declared his 2020 draft picks not in play for an established goaltender.
“You never say never. But the quality of this draft really dictates a lot of our decisions. If I’m looking to acquire, for example a goaltender, I would prefer not to have to use picks from this year,” Wilson said. “Would I listen to [an offer]? Absolutely. But this is a pretty good draft for what we’re looking for. Those picks are valued. Our first-round pick next year is valued. Somebody would have to knock my socks off to make me move around on that.”
Truth or posturing? We’ll see. It’s interesting that Wilson went out of his way to give “goaltender” as an example here, to a general question on if the team’s higher picks this year were in play.
The San Jose Sharks will pick 31st (from Tampa Bay), 34th, 56th (from Colorado via Washington), 126th (from Ottawa), 127th, 201st (from Pittsburgh), 210th (from Washington) in the 2020 Draft. That’s one first-round pick, two second-round picks, two fifth-round picks, and two seventh-round picks.
Regardless of who Wilson chooses to pair with Jones, new San Jose Sharks goaltending coach Evgeni Nabokov will have a big say in the decision.
“We’ve talked about exploring the goaltender market. I’ve had Nabby and our staff extremely focused in on that, what would be the right fit for our group,” Wilson said. “I use Nabby a lot. He’s worked his tail off the last little while, evaluating the guys that have been No. 1’s.”
Even if Wilson won’t say it, does any of this sound like Dell?
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Solid & quick write up, Sheng! In all of my roster mock ups I’ve been targeting Greiss. I feel like he’s a great fit. Same with a Khudobin. Based off of Doug’s comments, it leads me to believe both of those players don’t fit that “former #1” mold. I’m high on Kuemper and the CBJ’s goalies. Since the 1st & 2nd round picks aren’t in play for a goalie, I imagine those 3 aren’t on the table. Depending on Holtby’s demands, I would be more open to him over Dubnyk and Reimer since no assets are required in signing a… Read more »
Re: Dubnyk, not sure why MIN would take a couple low-value SJS forwards? A pick next year though seems very much in play. If they really love Dubnyk, it’s a moot point, but Holtby and Greiss at those prices seem like reasonable ideas too. My last article, I suggested something akin to Blichfeld + a pick (say next year’s 3rd) for Donato + Dubnyk, seems plausible to me. No one wants to give up Blichfeld, but Donato will cost something I think
Thanks for the reply, Sheng! My thinking is that there needs to be some money going back the other way. $6.2m for Dubnyk & Donato next season without any retention is a big chunk of valuable cap space for two lower value players on top of potentially sending back a higher pick and/or prospect. Sorensen would seem to make the most sense to send back to Minnesota since Donato is essentially taking his spot.
Understand what you’re saying, maybe the hold-up is some Dubnyk money retained. Maybe. I guess what I’m emphasizing though is 6.2 mil isn’t too expensive, in terms of these players’ actual values — a 1A goalie and expected third-line scorer. I disagree with the “lower value players” assertion. So why should Minnesota do San Jose a favor and take on a contract? Of course, it would help SJS but not sure what Minny’s motivation is. There has been an argument that SJS is doing MIN a favor by taking Dubnyk’s contract, but I’m not sure Dubnyk’s contract is the albatross… Read more »
So maybe Raanta instead of Keumper, Lundqvist fits the mold too on UFA front.
Raanta’s injury history is too troubling, I think. I was a Lundqvist proponent, but talking to guys I trust recently, they think he’s slipped too much
I’d be curious to know what the pro scouts think of Aaron Dell.
I haven’t asked recently because I never thought SJS was going to bring him back. But based on discussions with scouts throughout the season, people like him, but not as a starter or 1A/1B.
Sheng,
Thanks for keeping us up on all things Sharks. I personally find it wonderful how you delve into all aspects, players, management and draft.
I’m personally over Dell. He’s good people but we need something new. This is also why I’m rooting to bring in Donato. He’s still young. He can shoot the lights out as well.
Thank you! Donato would add some much-needed proven skill to a third line with potential to move up
[…] “Having two goaltenders, particularly proper now throughout this time, that may run with it for some time if wanted [is important],” Wilson mentioned (H/T SanJoseHockeyNow.com). […]
[…] “Having two goaltenders, especially right now during this time, that can run with it for a while if needed [is important],” Wilson said (H/T SanJoseHockeyNow.com). […]
[…] “Having two goaltenders, especially right now during this time, that can run with it for a while if needed [is important],” Wilson said (H/T SanJoseHockeyNow.com). […]
[…] H/T SanJoseHockeyNow.com).” data-reactid=”34″>“Having two goaltenders, especially right now during this time, that can run with it for a while if needed [is important],” Wilson said (H/T SanJoseHockeyNow.com). […]
[…] “Having two goaltenders, especially right now during this time, that can run with it for a while if needed [is important],” Wilson said (H/T SanJoseHockeyNow.com). […]