SJHN Daily: Wilson in Regular Communication with Will, Sharks Add Another Karlsson

WELCOME GUEST WRITER KAT PITRE! KAT CURRENTLY COVERS THE SAN JOSE SHARKS AT FEAR THE FIN AND HOSTS THE “THIS IS HOCKEY CULTURE” PODCAST. 

When it comes to San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson’s return, no news may be good news.

On Nov. 26, the Sharks announced that Wilson would be taking a temporary leave of absence due to medical reasons (non-COVID related), as Wilson had been battling a long-term cough since mid-September.

BREAKING: Wilson Taking Temporary Medical Leave from Sharks

In Wilson’s stead stepped in assistant general manager Joe Will, tasked with handling day-to-day operations. Those daily responsibilities are increasing the longer Wilson stays absent, however, and it prompts concerns over how the Sharks may handle the looming Trade Deadline if Wilson remains on medical leave by Mar. 21. Already, the Sharks have weathered the Evander Kane storm and COVID postponements without Wilson, and there’s a sign-or-trade decision on impending UFA Tomas Hertl coming soon.

Per Frank Seravalli and the Daily Faceoff, there isn’t much of an update on a timeline for Wilson’s return to the San Jose Sharks’ front office. 

“I think people were hoping – and certainly around the Sharks organization – that this would just be a temporary leave of absence. That Doug Wilson could gather up some strength and be back in the chair in short order,” said Seravalli, on the Sharks’ perspective around the absence.

But at this point, Wilson’s return doesn’t seem imminent.

“We’re now more than two months since that announcement was made back on Nov. 26. At this point, Joe Will, their assistant general manager, is still overseeing day-to-day operations of the team. He’s in communication with Doug Wilson on the regular,” said Seravalli.

This is in line with what San Jose Hockey Now has noted on many occasions, that Wilson is still a phone call away on any of the big Sharks decisions.

Wilson has been the general manager since 2003, and Will has been the assistant general manager since 2005.

At San Jose Hockey Now…

Have Sharks Given UFA Hertl Something to Think About? | SJHN+

The Sharks Believe: “We can play with anyone.”

Exciting, Boring Hockey Is Sharks’ Formula for Success | SJHN+

Sharks’ Mid-Season Review: Key Stats, Biggest Storylines, Team MVP

Adin Hill, Painter?

McGrew Talks About His Christianity, Which Cuda Teammate Will Get NHL Contract

In Other Sharks News…

Congratulations to Erik Karlsson and his wife on their new baby!

Newest Baby 🦈!

Congratulations to #SJSharks defenseman, Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda on the addition to their family! pic.twitter.com/kGBth6VlT5

— Fear the Fin (@fearthefin) February 3, 2022

Four positives from the Sharks’ East Coast road trip. (The Hockey Writers)

San Jose Sharks updated player cards. (The Athletic) 

Bryan Burns’s three takeaways from Tampa Bay’s OT win over San Jose ahead of their break. (NHL)

Ferraro’s swift return after face injury shocks coaching staff. (The Mercury News) 

Fans rank the San Jose Sharks’ top-25 rookies and prospects. (Fear the Fin) 

The OHL has suspended Barrie Colts winger Ethan Cardwell for 15 games for contact during last Saturday's game in Sault Ste. Marie that led to the injury of Greyhounds forward Tanner Dickinson. Dickinson is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a broken femur.

— Gene Pereira (@GenePereira1) February 3, 2022

Around the NHL…

Pat Verbeek has been hired as the Anaheim Ducks’ general manager. (ESPN) 

Brad Aldrich of the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks used team memorabilia and connections to build trust, according to another victim. (TSN) 

Barrier-breaking journalist in NHL, Robin Herman, dies at age 70. (The New York Times) 

Rocky Wirtz explodes in town hall over 2010 Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault. (ESPN) 

NHL agents surveyed on Olympics, team owners, and Gary Bettman. (The Athletic) 

Place a bet on the NHL! (BWin)

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect P.O. Joseph speaks on recent racist taunts in hockey: 

‘There’s So Much I Would Say,’ Recent Racist Taunts Anger Penguins Joseph

Boston Bruins are feeling good as they hit midseason stride: 

Haggs: Boston Bruins Headed In Right Direction At Midseason

Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon is “feeling better” after open-ice collision:  

Nathan MacKinnon “doing better, feeling better” (+)

Florida Panthers celebrate the beginning of Black History Month: 

Florida Panthers kick off Black History Month with stand against racism

New York Islanders slide further in standings but may not be giving up on the season yet:

‘Words Don’t Mean Anything. It’s Actions’, Islanders Giving Up on Season?

NHL All-Star game, hosted by the Vegas Golden Knights, expands with new events 

Las Vegas Themed Events Coming to NHL All-Star Game (Traffic Update)

Claude Giroux heads to the All-Star game while Philadelphia Flyers demote four to AHL: 

Flyers send 4 players to Phantoms; Claude Giroux heads to All-Star festivities

Washington Capitals re-assign players to AHL and eliminate the taxi squad:

Capitals Re-Assign Copley, Johansen To Hershey, Eliminate Taxi Squad

Detroit Red Wings looking for consistency to finish out the season: 

Red Wings Still Hunting for Higher Degree of Consistency

Vancouver Canucks’ Jaroslav Halak looks like a trade possibility:

Why Canucks Goalie Jaro Halak Would Want to be Traded

Calgary Flames reportedly in on trading for Conor Garland:

Scouts get good look at Garland as Flames’ trade interest reported

Montreal Canadiens are struggling and in need of a culture change:

Habs Need Culture Change ASAP. Can That Happen With Ducharme?