San Jose Sharks Ink Evander Kane to an Extension

The San Jose Sharks waste no time in what was a no-brainer as Evander Kane will remain in teal in a seven-year deal.

Kane’s audition with the San Jose Sharks proved fruitful as he made an immediate impact with his new team. At the trade deadline, the Sharks did not have a spot locked for the playoffs but left themselves in position to clinch.

Adversity hit the Sharks after Joe Thornton went down with a knee injury and did not return for the rest of the season. The Sharks struggled the first few games without Thornton but managed to get over the hump after the younger players stepped up.

San Jose played with a different identity after Thornton’s injury with faster play and being tenacious around the puck. No matter the deficit, the Sharks never gave up and kept on grinding until the final whistle.

San Jose Sharks /

San Jose Sharks

The overall team-play proved pivotal in allowing Doug Wilson to dip into the trade market before the deadline. Wilson suggested he would not acquire a player slated for free agency but would leave the door open should he fit the plans for the future.

In Kane, the Sharks got an added boost as the 26-year-old is a goal scorer and brings a physical element in his game. Kane was set to be a free agent this summer, and the Sharks would have likely pursued him if a trade did not occur.

With the audition, management got first crack to see what Kane would provide before making the decision to re-sign the winger. A playoff spot was no guarantee with Kane coming aboard but his desire to see postseason action ultimately convinced Wilson not to see him go elsewhere next year.

Injuries came at the wrong time for Kane unfortunately before the playoffs began. After an impressive showing against Anaheim, he became ineffective as San Jose fell to Vegas in the second round.

Despite another disappointing postseason by the Sharks, Kane proved his worth and provided optimism he would remain in the Bay Area.

Credit Wilson for getting the extension done and not allowing the situation to drag out through the summer. Kane’s stock rose significantly after his display and would have gotten plenty of teams wanting his services.

Vancouver would have been one suitor with Kane being born in British Columbia. With the Sedin Brothers retiring, the Canucks may have likely put Kane as the new face of the franchise as the team rebuilds.

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After playing on mediocre teams (Atlanta/Winnipeg and Buffalo) which provided no support, going to a contender is more desirable than throwing away production on a rebuilding team.

For now, Kane can enjoy the offseason knowing he will be competing for a Stanley Cup with the Sharks.

Kane’s deal is reportedly for seven years, seven million a season. A no-movement clause will likely go into the contract. With the likelihood of Seattle getting an expansion team, the Sharks would prefer not to see him get picked in the expansion draft.

Also, the first-round pick sent to Buffalo as part of the Kane acquisition now becomes a pick for this year’s entry draft. The pick would have gone to 2019 if Kane signed with a different team during the summer/

As for Wilson, this is just the beginning of what could be an exciting offseason for the franchise. With Kane in the fold, Wilson has ammunition to potentially land the top prize in this year’s free agent class – John Tavares.

Cap space is no issue for the Sharks as Wilson has the money fit what Tavares will likely command should he test free agency. Wilson has managed in the past to talk to big names like Steven Stamkos and will likely garner one with Tavares’ camp.

Tavares would fit the need of center on the top line and has all the tools to be a consistent threat. His passing is a significant attribute and having a goal scorer in Kane to pass to can make for a potentially deadly combination.

If Tavares does ultimately come to San Jose, the chances of Thornton returning may not happen. The extensions of Martin Jones and Marc-Edouard Vlasic kick in for the upcoming season. Wilson will be walking a fine line should he land Tavares as a couple current Sharks’ players will command a pay raise as restricted free agents (Tomas Hertl).

Next: San Jose Sharks Outplayed by Vegas in Second Round Exit

A big summer could be in store for the Sharks which could net a new face of the franchise. Kane’s extension is worth the price as he fit in well and did not create any problems with his teammates. Goals should come in bunches for Kane as he is about to enter his prime years with San Jose.

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