Free Agency Buzz: Sharks Trying To Catch Stephenson, Toffoli?

Here’s a running diary of what I’m hearing about the San Jose Sharks on Day 1 of free agency.

2:49 PM

Toffoli is the most expensive contract that #SJSharks have ever handed out to an outside UFA (not an internal signing a la Karlsson in 2019):

🦈$6 mil AAV (previous high: Rob Blake, $5 mil AAV in 2008)
🦈$24 mil total (previous high: Paul Martin, $19.4 mil for 4 years in 2015)

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 1, 2024

2:30 PM

Was thinking the Sharks could use a puck-mover, so checked in on Adam Boqvist, but nothing doing there right now.

2:10 PM

One thing I was curious about that I checked in on, not sure if Akim Aliu is returning the San Jose Sharks organization.

12:59 PM

Ex-Shark Kaapo Kahkonen going to the Jets for one year, $1 million, per Friedman.

12:48 PM

Another big Sharks signing! Per Elliotte Friedman, they got Alexander Wennberg for two years, $5 million AAV.

BREAKING: Sharks Sign Wennberg

12:45 PM

We’re getting to the AHL signings portion of Day 1 on free agency. Sharks clearly need a No. 3 goalie in the system. However, I don’t think Chris Driedger, who led the Coachella Valley Firebirds to the Calder Cup Final, is in the cards.

11:57 AM

Per Puckpedia, Jacob MacDonald is headed back to the Colorado Avalanche.

11:04 AM

Former Sharks draft pick Ben Gaudreau signs an AHL contract.

10:48 AM

Ex-Shark Anthony Duclair going to the New York Islanders for four years.

10:47 AM

I’m told that the Sharks and Chandler Stephenson never got as far as talking particulars of a contract, which makes sense, considering what he ultimately got. He was the right kind of player for the Sharks though, skilled, true two-way, and a winner — and willing to join a rebuild — absolutely the type of guy that you should at least kick the tires on.

10:45 AM

From Devin Cooley, via text, to Sharks fans:

Texted @devinjcooley, he had this message for #SJSharks fans: "Even though I won’t be playing for the Sharks anymore, I’ll still be watching from the outside as a fan, just like I have been since I was a kid (except when they’re playing Calgary of course haha)"

Full text: pic.twitter.com/G3z9hukRtQ

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 1, 2024

10:23 AM

As of now, I don’t think the Sharks have reached out on Jeff Skinner.

10:22 AM

In this stage of the rebuild, no way should Sharks match this, as good as Stephenson is:

Expecting Chandler Stephenson to sign with #SeaKraken on 7 year dealhttps://t.co/3FmVjyP8yp

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 1, 2024

10:14 AM

From what I’m hearing, the Sharks didn’t reach out on either Steven Stamkos or Jeff Skinner. Stamkos was a pipe dream anyway, I doubt he was coming to a rebuilding squad, and Skinner probably also looking to hook on with a contender.

10:03 AM

Could change, but right now, I expect both Ryan Carpenter and Jacob MacDonald to leave the Sharks organization.

9:27 AM

Thought a reunion could work, but the Sharks are not in on Stefan Noesen.

9:19 AM

Los Gatos native Devin Cooley is joining Gilroy native Dustin Wolf in Calgary.

BREAKING: Cooley Signs With Flames

9:10 AM

San Jose “was not a destination for” Sean Walker, per source. They need someone like that, but the better defensemen in the market are very in demand.

9:03 AM

The Sharks are out on Stephenson, per source. Center is so in demand, I would guess Stephenson is going to get quite a contract.

8:36 AM

Tyler Toffoli is coming to the Sharks! Kevin Weekes confirms it, Dan Powers was early on it, and Elliotte Friedman was first to mention.

BREAKING: Sharks Sign Toffoli to Big Contract

8:32 AM

One thing I’m curious about, my theory is that the Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, both rebuilding around No. 1 picks, are chasing some of the same players. However, that wasn’t the case with Tyler Bertuzzi, San Jose wasn’t after him.

7:48 AM

My understanding is Stephenson wouldn’t rule out signing with a rebuilding team. That said, a top center is always very in demand, and my guess is San Jose Sharks would have to overpay. Not sure if the franchise is ready for that. Toffoli, a winger, would be a more realistic catch.

7:43 AM

Possible good fits in San Jose? I’m still pounding the Cam Atkinson drum, though Toffoli could negate that.

How about puck-mover Oliver Kylington?

7:25 AM

San Jose Hockey Now is hearing that the San Jose Sharks have reached out on Chandler Stephenson. Along with the Toffoli news, it sounds like the Sharks are trying to be real players this Jul. 1.

5:58 AM

Elliotte Friedman says “a few sources think San Jose snares [Tyler Toffoli] to entice Macklin Celebrini.

1:30 AM

Jacob MacDonald, unlike Justin Bailey, will hit the open market:

Our Sharks’ 2024 Draft Grades + Mini-Free Agency Preview