San Jose Sharks

[hockeyrulez69]

I have read on the dobber prospect report that Karlsson is solid in the face-off dot, can you attest to that? Do you think the Sharks will move him back to center next season?

[tgraveline]

I have read on the dobber prospect report that Karlsson is solid in the face-off dot, can you attest to that? Do you think the Sharks will move him back to center next season?

I honestly didn't get to see him much on the dot. However, with the plethora of higher end Cs they have and then Tierney most likely manning the 3rd line duties unless they put Pavelski there and go for 3 scoring lines. I think a ton depends on free agency and trades. I see him taking draws, with a chance at 4th line center duties and being a sparkplug for an energy line, but that's with a little bit of exposure from my end.

[tgraveline]

Sharks are interest in Talbot and Bieksa, and potentially one of Anderson/Lehner. Personally, I like the idea of going after Anderson (let Stalock try to steal the job). Bieksa could be a good rental for a year with his age and his play-style being something they've really missed in the D core. Talbot just seems too uncertain to me. I'm not buying the hype machine, but who knows, he could be the real deal.

[chuckcouples]

Why would the Sharks have any interest in Kevin Bieksa? He would be their 3rd best RD.

[tgraveline]

Mainly because even though his cap hit is 4.6 mil, they only would have to pay him 2 mil and change. Plus, it would give them more depth on defense, which they need. Is he the best answer, I don't know if I would say so. Then again, nothings happened, yet.

[tgraveline]

Well this has been depressing. Kind of shocked Sharks didn't go after Paul Martin. They said he was their number 1 priority and choice over all other free agents. This is why I don't like Doug Wilson. There are better, and younger guys available. Paul Martin is 34 and they gave him 4 years at over 4 million a year. I think the first two years he'll be fine, but will he be the last 2? They could have given Green the money that the Red Wings gave him. I think the issue is that they wanted someone to pair up with Burns and felt that Martin was the best fit. They do have just under 5 mil in cap space to play with. I'm not sure they'll spend it, but there's still a chance he pulls a late some blockbuster like he did with Dany Heatley, only, I hope it's a better trade for us overall and longterm.

[tgraveline]

Wrote this for another thread, but that it should be posted here.

I've been playing around with the line combos since this and I'm kind of intrigued. They have lots of possibilities going forward. Still, I'd like to see them add another D, but they've got some solid D prospects, so maybe they don't need to and save the 1.6 mil in capspace and see what happens throughout the year.

Line combos from history and with the new additions. A few possibilities, but I'm guessing this is what they're thinking:

Hertl - Thornton - Pavelski
Marleau - Couture - Ward (though he might line up on 3rd line)
Nieto - Teirney - Wingels
Torres - Karlsson - Smith

This leaves Brown and Goodrow as healthy scratch/alternates (Don't forget,they have Goldobin and this signing makes me think he gets another year of seasoning in the minors like Meier).

Defensive lines:
Martin - Burns
Vlasic - Braun
Mueller - Dillon

With Tennyson and Demelo as callups or scratches. I don't see Bergman coming up, yet. Who knows, kid is pretty good.

Still think they need to add one more D even if they have to sit in the pressbox. Feel they need some depth there.

[chuckcouples]

Depending on how Jones plays, that is a pretty solid lineup.

[tgraveline]

Yeah, the question is if pretty solid is good enough in the Pacific and the rest of the west to make the playoffs.

[Bass56]

Line combos from history and with the new additions. A few possibilities, but I'm guessing this is what they're thinking:

Hertl - Thornton - Pavelski
Marleau - Couture - Ward (though he might line up on 3rd line)
Nieto - Teirney - Wingels
Torres - Karlsson - Smith

Defensive lines:
Martin - Burns
Vlasic - Braun
Mueller - Dillon

I like these! With Jones on top of it, I feel they may have a better team than they did last year!

[chuckcouples]

Which dmen do you expect to play on the PK? Specifically, do you think Dillon will be one of the top 4 dmen in terms of PK TOI per game? Do you expect a decrease in his peripheral stats (PIMs, hits, blocked shots, takeaways) with the addition of Martin?

[JimmyCanuck]

Vlasic and Martin on the PK!

[tgraveline]

Vlasic and Martin on the PK!

Yeah, most likely those two. I remember reading about the Sharks liking Martin's PK killing skills. Vlasic is very smart on the PK too. Then I'd guess Dillon and Mueller.

[tgraveline]

So had a thought today. Cody Franson is still available and I liked the idea of him signing with them before, but he priced himself out of a job.

Some guys have done it before, and the Sharks really could use another Right-handed shot on D. Would he take a 1 million dollar deal for one year just to get back in on a team that could do some serious damage? I'm curious now. Hope DW sees my post and makes a call.

[Luffy D Monkey]

Tell me about Mirco Mueller. Does he have upside?