SJHN Daily: Viel Not Coming Back, How Bad Are Sharks’ 2024 Stanley Cup Odds?

The San Jose Sharks will not bring back Jeffrey Viel.

The Athletic’s Corey Masisak reported this on Twitter yesterday. Ordinarily the 26-year-old winger would have become a restricted free agent, however he met the qualifications to become a Group VI UFA. Via PuckPedia, here are those parameters: “A player becomes a Group 6 UFA if they are 25, completed 3 or more professional seasons, has a contract expiring, and has played less than 80 NHL Games.”

A bit of Sharks news – Jeffrey Viel, who became a Group VI UFA instead of an RFA this offseason, is expecting to hit the market in July and look for a new opportunity.

Viel played 34 games for the Sharks in 2021-22 but only four this past season.

— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) June 8, 2023

San Jose Hockey Now can confirm the Athletic’s report.

Viel spent most of his 2022-23 season with the San Jose Barracuda, serving as alternate captain. He tallied 15 goals, 31 points, and 150 penalty minutes, and was an invaluable middle-six winger.

In 49 NHL contests over three seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Viel has three goals, five points, and 139 penalty minutes.

Many may remember Viel showing major guts and taking on Zdeno Chara in a scrap in 2021-22.

GOTTA SEE IT: Viel Fights Chara, Marleau Pays Tribute on Big Z’s Record-Breaking Night

The San Jose Barracuda signed Viel out of the QMJHL on Jun. 2018. After an impressive pro debut, the Sharks signed Viel to an NHL contract the next year.

It shouldn’t be hard for Viel to find work — he’s an impactful AHL forward and a strong locker room presence in any league.

Viel Goes Wrong Way During NHL Debut Solo Warm-Up Lap

Viel Talks Emotions of Playing 1st NHL Game in Montreal

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Sheng Peng sheds light on rumors about Matvei Michov‘s character.

San Jose Sharks prospect Reese Laubach shares why he opted for Penn State.

Despite already having two rookie goalies signed, also expect the Sharks to bring back Eetu Makiniemi.

Brock Otten reveals why the San Jose Sharks allowed three former draft picks, such as Ben Gaudreau, to re-enter the NHL Draft.

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

If you have a good feeling about the Sharks next season, the best time to gamble on them is right now:

Some early 2024 Stanley Cup odds are already out, per @SportsBettingAG. You putting some $$ on a longshot, Sharks fans? pic.twitter.com/qm6i5zatwx

— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) June 8, 2023

About seven years ago, the Sharks won their first Stanley Cup Final game.

Fear the Fin wonders if the Sharks should extend Noah Gregor.

Re-live the best Erik Karlsson moments from this season:

Not sure how we narrowed it down to 5, but we’re counting down our top EK65 moments from this season! 😆 pic.twitter.com/bEcDPDncJL

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 9, 2023

AROUND THE NHL…

The New Jersey Devils sign-and-trade Damon Severson to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a pick.

In the Florida Panthers‘ first Stanley Cup Final win, Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk (again) come up clutch.

The Vegas Golden Knights will look to respond tomorrow, after losing in overtime.

Roberto Luongo and Kevin Bieksa shared a hilarious exchange during last night’s broadcast, throwing shade at Zdeno Chara:

Bieksa and Luongo chatting on HNIC

Bieksa – “We know what it’s like to be up 2-0 in the finals, you’re pretty comfortable still right..”

Luongo – “Yeah I think we’re okay, remember when we were practicing lifting the cup after Game 2..”

Outstanding.

— Ryan Henderson (@RJHenderson7) June 8, 2023

Scouts share their top five Detroit Red Wings prospects.

The Athletic shares their top defensive prospects of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Freshly pressed! We've dropped our Final ranking for the 2023 #NHLDraft! https://t.co/TTw6Jw2BgA pic.twitter.com/TwSGqeCItf

— FCHockey (@FCHockey) June 3, 2023

Who could be some trade options for the Colorado Avalanche?

Patrick Roy on wanting to coach again in the NHL.

The LA Kings re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov.

GARRIOCH: Presumptive top bidder for Ottawa Senators walks away in frustration, via @ottawasuncom https://t.co/nKy20cuX1Q

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 9, 2023

David Pastrňák je tatínek! Gratulujeme! ❤️

📸 @pastrnak96 pic.twitter.com/6e9Bu4nbwx

— NHL Česko (@NHLcz) June 9, 2023