The winds of change from the start of NHL Free Agency, did not blow hard in San Jose.
While attention swirled around former Shark Dan Boyle, who signed with the New York Rangers (while on vacation in Europe following his favorite band), the Sharks as promised made little noise in the first two days of the “Silly Season”.
Other former Sharks also changing/re-newing addresses included: Havlat signing with Devils. Ehrhoff and Greiss sign with Penguins (and Goc re-ups there too). Nabokov signs with Lightning. Malhotra signs with Canadiens. Bernier re-signs with Devils. Dominic Moore re-signs with Rangers. Michalek re-signs with Senators. Gorges traded to Sabres. McCarthy signs with Blues. Tim Kennedy (and former Sharks draftee Newbury) signs with Capitals.
The Sharks continued their rebuild-centric reallocation of veterans, shipping out Brad Stuart to the Avalanche for a couple of draft picks.
The Sharks did sign un-qualified D Taylor Fedun. And acquired Tye McGinn (younger brother of former Shark Jamie) for a draft pick. And the most angst-ridden signing for the Sharks in the opening days of free agency: enforcer John Scott (apparently there is sentiment in the organization that having an enforcer allows more cohesiveness on the team; he does have a reputation, including recent suspensions, which might need refurbishment, ala Torres).
And re-signed Tommy Wingels to three year deal. While Jason Demers filed for arbitration.
That brings the Sharks to 36 NHL deals (plus 4 QOs to re-sign with Sharks, not including the one KHL defection). So, there is still room to sign more prospects/free agents, or perhaps swap other NHL veterans for prospects/picks before the NHL roster is finalized in about 90 days.
No need (or lots of time) for more anxious hours of worrying over the roster.
As for the coming week…
The kids are in town for the rookie development camp. There will be a scrimmage open to the public on Wednesday.
The rest of what will happen will happen when it happens.
Enjoy the summer!