Sharks Free Agency Rumors, Signings: Does Gustafsson Fit?

Here’s a running guide of what’s going with the San Jose Sharks on Day 1 of free agency.

4:27 PM

It’s official: Anthony Duclair for Steven Lorentz and a Sharks’ 2025 fifth-round pick.

BREAKING: Sharks Acquire Duclair for Lorentz

4:02 PM

Jonah Gadjovich is signing with the Florida Panthers organization

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 1, 2023

3:29 PM

Sounds like Anthony Duclair will be traded to the Sharks

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) July 1, 2023

3:19 PM

#SJSharks announce they've signed Fabian Zetterlund to a two-year contract worth $2.9 million ($1.45 million AAV)

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 1, 2023

3:00 PM

The Sharks announce a two-way, two-year contract with Scott Sabourin. He’s going to be a solid AHL citizen for the Barracuda.

2:58 PM

Sharks Sign Blackwood, Burroughs, Smith, Carpenter

2:43 PM

Erik Gustafsson is joining the #NYR on a one-year contract worth $825,000. @NorthStarBet @TSN_Sports

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2023

From what I understand, there was mutual interest between the Sharks and Gustafsson if Karlsson was traded. But Karlsson hasn’t been dealt yet, and this suggests that a Karlsson swap isn’t very, very close. If you’re a Gustafsson, you have to jump on the offers that are out there, you can’t necessarily wait for the Karlsson mess to shake out.

12:39 PM

Kyle Criscuolo is headed to the New Jersey Devils.

12:32 PM

Darren Dreger reports that Jeffrey Viel is signing with the Winnipeg Jets. One year, one-way, $775K.

12:26 PM

REPORT: Penguins, Kraken, Canes After Karlsson?

12:14 PM

Right now, I'm hearing a Karlsson trade isn't that close, but of course, that could change in a second

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 1, 2023

11:52 AM

Sharks announce the signing of forward Ryan Carpenter to a one-year, two-way contract.

11:35 AM

Scratch another buy-low defenseman off the San Jose Sharks’ list: They haven’t reached out on Ethan Bear.

11:34 AM

Is Karlsson to Pens close?

Again, apologies if already reported but, yeah Elon.

Hearing from a very reliable source that #LetsGoPens closing in on Erik Karlsson trade. #SeaKraken is still in it but leaning toward Penguins.@pghhockeyNOW @sjhockeynow

— MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) July 1, 2023

11:24 AM

Jeff Marek says Daniel Sprong to the Detroit Red Wings for one-year, $2 million. That’s another buy-low wing candidate for the Sharks off the board.

10:28 AM

LeBrun says Canes still in on Karlsson after Dmitry Orlov signing.

The Orlov signing does not take Carolina out of the Erik Karlsson trade talks. The ‘Canes still have room and interest in Karlsson.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2023

10:24 AM

I thought Denis Gurianov might be a good buy-low opportunity, but I don’t think the Sharks have checked in as of now.

10:10 AM

Furthermore to what I’m suggesting about Gustafsson to the Sharks, they haven’t talked to Kevin Shattenkirk, another experienced candidate to soak up power play minutes if Karlsson is dealt.

9:50 AM

Ex-San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer is now with the Detroit Red Wings.

James Reimer signs with @DetroitRedWings for 1 year, 1.5 AAV pic.twitter.com/X5tJ1qcb0A

— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) July 1, 2023

9:46 AM

Elliotte Friedman reports that Kyle Burroughs has signed with the San Jose Sharks for three years, $3.3 million.

Kyle Burroughs 3x$1.1M with San Jose

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2023

9:37 AM

I believe, if the San Jose Sharks can conclude an Erik Karlsson trade relatively quickly, that there could be a mutual interest between the Sharks and defenseman Erik Gustafsson. Gustafsson would take on some of Karlsson’s offensive responsibilities.

9:29 AM

MacKenzie Blackwood has signed for two years, $4.7 million. After the Sharks didn’t qualify Blackwood, both San Jose Hockey Now and the Mercury News reported that the Sharks and Blackwood were talking new contract.

Updated terms on Mackenzie Blackwood with #sjsharks: 2 years x $2.35 million AAV.@DailyFaceoff @CapFriendly

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2023

8:41 AM

Pierre LeBrun says Erik Karlsson is being allowed to talk directly to interested teams. That’s a change. They’re definitely trying to get this done. Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins among teams most interested.

As I just said on TSN, Sharks continue to try to push the Erik Karlsson trade talks. Believe Sharks allowed teams to speak directly with Karlsson yesterday. Believe Seattle, Carolina and Pittsburgh among teams interested, among others. Leafs interested but not among front-runners

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2023