An inauspicious time to start a blog.
I watched (in the background) the final game of the NHL season last night. Without passion or enthusiasm.
I only wanted the Kings to win so the disappointing 2014 post-season would come to an end.
Now things can start to happen. That may wax the passion again.
The Sharks GM Doug Wilson has announced there will be significant changes to the roster for the upcoming season. But what will that entail? Only two moves for certain have been announced; Dan Boyle and Martin Havlat will not be with the team next year.
There has been speculation that the captaincy might be changed, with Couture, Pavelski and Vlasic getting to wear the letters as the team’s leaders, passing the torch of leadership to the next generation.
48 hours after the Cup has been awarded, the buyout window opens. This begins the last period that teams can use their 2013-CBA compliance buyouts.
I’ll expect Martin Havlat to be put on waivers by tomorrow (in preparation for buyout), unless GM Doug Wilson has had some nibbles on the trade front. (UPDATE: As he has a no trade clause, he does not have to be put on waivers before being bought out.)
And Dan Boyle has already been moved (for a conditional 2015 pick from the New York Islanders).
As for other changes?
Pending RFA Sebastian Stalberg has signed to play in his home country of Sweden next season. Pending RFA Harri Sateri has signed to play in KHL next season. (Sharks can still retain their rights until age 27 if they make each a Qualifying Offer by the deadline.) Neither has played for the NHL Sharks, although Sateri has dressed as a back up.
Sharks have apparently been discussing new deals with pending UFAs Alex Stalock and Mike Brown.
There are rumors involving Marleau, Niemi and Thornton leaving the team. But with a handful of “young, rising stars” who would not be moved, many other players currently under contract may find themselves elsewhere before the puck drops in the fall.