San Jose Sharks: Their Long-Term Options With Martin Havlat
Apr 18, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Martin Havlat (9) skates up the ice during the first period of the game against the Minnesota Wild at the HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
By now we have all heard the Martin Havlat saga and how he was the most likely candidate for a compliance buyout due to the $5 million per year he is owed for this season and next.
That was until he got hurt at the end of season during the playoffs and, after having off-season surgery, was considered ineligible for a buyout.
Why was he a buyout candidate? Well, when he only played in 39 games during his inaugural season with the Sharks, then only played in two playoff games last year, it’s obvious they are not getting their money’s worth. And when he was healthy this past season Havlat was only able to muster 18 points in 40 regular season games.
So what is the plan for this year? How do the Sharks shed this wasted $5 milion in cap space? Well, no doubt he is going to the long-term injured-reserved list. After that though, it is anybody’s guess as to what Doug Wilson has planned. What is clear though is that a buyout at this point would not happen until next year.
For the most part, it seems that buying him out is the best option when Havlat is finally healthy. The Sharks would rid themselves of their bad decision and move on. That would leave a big hole to fill at the right-wing position, although by the time Havlat is healthy the Sharks will have hopefully found a serviceable replacement for him. They also rid themselves of having to deal with always having a backup plan ready for the next time Havlat is injured.
The other option, which is the keep him, is definitely a giant risk. It could have its rewards too, however. When healthy, Havlat is a top-six forward. Unfortunately that phrase ‘when healthy’ comes with a huge disclaimer because the man is seemingly made of glass.
Injuries aside, he definitely played his best when he was on a line with Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau. Now tell me which line will be in need of a right-winger next year? Here’s a look at next season’s projected forward lines.
Hertl – Thornton – Burns
Marleau – Couture – Wingels
Torres – Pavelski – Kennedy
Sheppard – Desjardins – Burish
Take a good look at that second line. Yes, that is Tommy Wingels. Yes, he was somewhat serviceable in that role last season, but nowhere near as productive when Havlat was on the ice with the other two. With Havlat in there, the Sharks not only have a great top-six, they have three great lines, and some of the best forward depth they have had in years.
Also, because of the Sharks’ cap situation and the long-term injured-reserve rules there are not many options for replacing Havlat with another expensive player unless they were to trade someone as expensive when Havlat was due to come back. Fear the Fin had a great post here breaking it down very well.
My suggestion? Keep the guy, at least for the rest of the season. He could come in handy when he is finally ready to come off the IR, and when he does at the very least he will be fresh. Plus, there are not many other options. Who knows, perhaps he can rekindle the magic of the Marleau – Couture – Havlat line.
Then, if that does not work, then you just buy him out next offseason.