San Jose Sharks Ready to Roll For 2016-2017 Season

With the 2016-17 season starting Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks are gearing up for another promising season. With a few new additions to the roster, San Jose looks for a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

Before the start of last season, goaltending was the main question the San Jose Sharks faced. General Manager Doug Wilson took a gamble by acquiring Martin Jones from the Boston Bruins. Despite having no experience as an NHL starter, Jones’ track record in the minors gave the impression he could handle starting duties.

He caught the eyes of a few teams last season with his play backstopping behind Los Angeles starter Jonathan Quick. Wilson believed Jones could be the answer and was the undisputed starter last season.

The result was goaltending San Jose never got from goaltenders of past. Wilson’s gamble paid off, as the Sharks earned a trip to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. Although they fell short of the prize, Jones proved he can be reliable in net.

Now that Jones proved to be a starting goaltender last season, he needs to come out strong again. San Jose will have five straight road games after opening at home against Los Angeles. A rematch with Pittsburgh from the Final highlights the trip. Road games were a strength for the Sharks last season, leading the league in wins away from home.

The pressure is on Jones as San Jose elected to open training camp with goalies from their minor league affiliate compete for the backup job. Aaron Dell emerged late last season with the San Jose Barracuda and his play carried over into training camp. Dell will have to prove he can step up, as Jones cannot be relied on to carry the load all season.

Dell has looked poised between the pipes, but his last preseason start was somewhat concerning. Despite making solid stops, the two goals he allowed were a bit soft as he looked out of position for both. If Dell cannot handle the job, expect an early trade for a reliable back-up. The grind of a season could affect Jones in the playoffs if he has to carry the burden.

An internal battle for the backup job allowed San Jose to address other areas of need. Despite an aging core, adding a few pieces could keep the team competitive and make another playoff run.

Wilson added depth in the offseason after Pittsburgh exposed San Jose in the finals. Perhaps what could a brilliant signing is forward Mikkel Boedker. Only 26 years old and about to enter his prime years, Boedker adds scoring depth to an already loaded Sharks team. Expect the Danish native to be on the second line and power play lurking around the net.

Boedker most certainly left money on the table during free agency. With an elite passer in Joe Thornton and core players like Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, and Brent Burns, Boedker felt the Sharks had something special. His scoring prowess will help to ease pressure from the core players having to step up consistently.

Besides Boedker, Tomas Hertl needs to show no ill-effects from his knee injury in the playoffs. From training camp, Hertl appeared no worse for the wear as he turned a solid camp. While the thought of centering the third line has come into play, Hertl will be on the wing of the top lines to utilize his scoring abilities.

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The arrival of Boedker adds uncertainty with Patrick Marleau. With one year remaining on his contract, Marleau may not be in teal by season’s end. Most likely, the forward will be on the second power play unit and could see himself playing fewer minutes. No matter what happens this season, Marleau’s time in San Jose will be up and possibly his career.

On defense, David Schlemko provides an instant boost with his puck-moving capabilities. Signed this offseason, Schlemko will serve on the power play and look to chip in pucks deep into the offensive zone. His assets will allow Burns to move freely as a defenseman who can find the net.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun are back to serve as cornerstones for San Jose’s defense. Both are proven defenders who play big minutes in key situations. The two may not make the scoresheet often, but the plays made in the defensive zone will be crucial for the Sharks to come out on top.

For the young players on the Sharks, Barclay Goodrow is one name to take note on. Last season, he started with the Sharks but was sent to the Barracuda. With the Barracuda, he found confidence by earning a trip to the AHL All-Star Game. By finding his confidence, Goodrow will look to stay on the Sharks’ roster full time.

Next: Solid Offseason Has Sharks Primed For Another Run

SAP Center will be rocking Wednesday night as the Sharks take the ice. Rival Los Angeles Kings are the first opponent as San Jose begins the campaign. With Peter DeBoer in his second year as head coach, the Sharks should be comfortable under his system. Hopefully this season, the Sharks make the Shark Tank a tough place for visitors.