Sharks Hockey Analysis

July 1 - Kent Huskins Day

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July 1 has come and gone and as I expected, Doug Wilson wasn’t in on the fun - he never is. Whether it’s by choice or because NHL players still don’t view San Jose has a free agent destination, Doug Wilson never has much to report on July 1st. So, if you’re disappointed - don’t slit your wrists yet - you had to know this was going to happen. I always get caught up in UFA frenzy, wondering if this will be the year the Sharks get a big fish - but there was no chance. The trade route is where we’ll see our major changes.

The Sharks made one signing today, technically a “re-signing” but this player never played a single minute for San Jose after he was acquired in a trade at the deadline due to a foot injury. Kent Huskins, a member of the Stanley Cup winning Ducks, must have seen something he liked in the Bay Area and is sticking around for two seasons at 3.4M total. His addition means there will be some subtraction among Vlasic, Ehrhoff, Luko and Murray - one of those dudes isn’t going to be on the team next year - and honestly, I think two of them won’t be there. Doug Wilson loves to play this angle, there are going to be a few teams pretty upset they didn’t land a UFA today and they will come calling to Doug Wilson who has his own version of Komisarek in Murray signed long term, plus he has a smooth skating Ehrhoff to those who lost out on Ohlund. Those are valuable assets to have on the table to someone who might be itching to make a splash. The Sharks didn’t give Huskins $1.7M per season to sit on his ass - he is going to be playing in the top six every night, no question in my mind.

Here’s something to ponder based on a comment I saw on David Pollak’s blog. If the Sharks were willing to $1.7M for Huskins, why not add an extra year and sign formers Preds defendeer Greg Zanon, who inked with the Wild for a reported three years/$5.8M. Zanon is a shot blocking monster, with 237 blocks, and was a major part of Nashville’s top ten penalty kill. Now maybe Zanon wanted to return to the mid-West where he played his college hockey in Nebraska and in the AHL in Milwaukee, but I’d like to think that while the coaching staff saw what Huskins can offer in practice, having the opportunity to sign the league’s leading shot blocker in Zanon for the same price was at least considered…

Here are some players I’m keeping an eye on in the next week or so to see if they should be checking out Bay Area real estate:

Tomas Kaberle - while I don’t think he is the perfect fit, he is damn good d-man and could be a solid #2 to Boyle’s top banana. If Burke was asking for Kessel, would Ron Wilson be interested in Cheechoo or Michalek?

Speaking of Phil Kessel - if the Bruins have him on the block and were looking to add D, how about Ehrhoff for Kessel?

Scott Hartnell - Either Carcillo or Hartnell has to go, and Hartnell makes more $$. Doug Wilson might be able to get him for a low price - Philly can’t add any more payroll.

Jack Johnson - Dean Lombardi struck out on both Havlat and Gaborik (big surprise), so maybe the long-term signed Michalek would tempt him enough to unload Jack Johnson to the Sharks…especially if Johnson won’t sign. These two teams could be perfect dance partners in a trade, if they can stomach dealing within the division. Jack Johnson in theory would be perfect-o if he develops as projected along side Dan Boyle. He could be the next Rob Blake…or he could be the next Jeff Jillson. It’s worth the risk if the deal is there, if you ask me.

Let’s keep our wits about us. Dan Boyle wasn’t a Shark until July 4th. Who knows what will happen tomorrow.