Sharks Talk Draft, Off-Season Plan, Locker Room “Issues” | SJHN+

Four days away from the beginning of free agency, Doug Wilson wasn’t saying much.

But it appears that the San Jose Sharks are looking to add to an aging, veteran core that’s missed the post-season in back-to-back years.

“We don’t take missing the playoffs lightly,” Wilson told us today in his post-Draft availability. “I know this group and what they’ve done historically. And I believe in this group. We believe in not only our group, but the players, the coaches, and the staff.”

Are UFA Patrick Marleau or RFA Ryan Donato or buyout candidate Martin Jones part of this group?

Not surprisingly, Wilson wouldn’t tip his hand. But this statement seems unambiguous.

“We need to add some players, which we will, in free agency,” Wilson shared. “Quality veterans.”

He also didn’t rule out making trades to improve his club.

Wilson also touched on the San Jose Sharks’ locker room “issues” in his post-Draft availability.

Director of scouting Doug Wilson Jr. talked about how far William Eklund stood above most of his Draft class, San Jose’s criteria when drafting defensemen, and why the organization felt comfortable targeting OHL players who didn’t play this year.

He also added interesting notes about Artem Guryev, Max McCue, Ethan Cardwell, and Theo Jacobsson

Assistant GM Tim Burke discussed why the San Jose Sharks felt fortunate that Benjamin Gaudreau dropped to them and the folly of comparing Liam Gilmartin to Tom Wilson.