San Jose Sharks: Questions remain as training camp opens
By Andrew Bet
The San Jose Sharks return to the ice on Friday with training camp as the summer ends with no significant moves to make the team legitimate contenders.
An offseason full of optimism became another dud for the San Jose Sharks, after they struck out on altering the franchise with John Tavares choosing Toronto instead. After Tavares’ decision, the Sharks’ gave extensions to current players and remained silent through the rest of free agency.
The no-brainer, of course, was locking up Evander Kane with a seven-year extension many believe is too long. Kane undoubtedly merited an extension after being acquired by the Sharks last season before the trade deadline.
Kane is excited to contribute for a contender and the time is now for him to back up the talk with production. Expectations are high for Kane once the season starts, and he — nor the team — can afford an early season slump.
San Jose Sharks
Joe Thornton is back on a one-year deal as the veteran is coming off another significant knee injury. The year before, Thornton came back after surgery, and did not appear at full strength until December rolled around. He is likely going to be on the first line, but his effectiveness will be the focus early.
As the story goes with the Sharks entering training camp seemingly every season, they’re a team that looks good on paper, but doesn’t have the attributes of contending for a Stanley Cup. Doug Wilson has opted to let prospects earn roster spots, and not make any deals before the start of the campaign.
Given the state of the Pacific Division, the Sharks could find themselves out of the playoff picture quickly. The division is currently wide open — except for Anaheim, who is not going to make any noise this season. After a postseason where the Sharks dismantled the Ducks in four games, Anaheim is in disarray.
Calgary and Edmonton look primed to have bounce-back seasons. Former Sharks’ coach, Todd McLellan, is likely on a short leash with the Oilers after a disastrous season. Any slip up could result in him being shown the door, as management does not want to waste prime years with Connor McDavid.
Los Angeles could make some early waves with the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk returning from the KHL. Do not expect this team to go far this season as Kovalchuk will unlikely keep up with the pace of NHL action. He may produce early but will taper off at some point as the KHL is light years away from reaching the level of NHL play.
Arizona could be a sleeper in the Pacific Division. The Coyotes got off to a dismal start last year, but became one of the better teams towards the end of the season. Hope for hockey in the desert is to stay in the hunt.
Max Pacioretty is one name that had been linked to the Sharks during the offseason as a trade possibility. Discontent in Montreal made him expendable, and the forward could have provided an offensive spark the Sharks’ lacked last season before acquiring Kane.
Instead, he was sent to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are hoping to prove their inaugural season was no fluke. After a run to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Golden Knights look to stay on top of the Pacific Division again.
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To miss out on Pacioretty is a blow for the Sharks just before the start of camp. The Golden Knights appear headed for another division crown, and the Sharks are choosing to stand pat.
But given Wilson’s nature, the team coming out of training camp will unlikely be the final edition of the 2018-19 Sharks. Call-ups from the San Jose Barracuda will happen, but a trade is not likely until we see where the team stands in December.
Not many spots are open on the roster as Pete DeBoer is content with the goalies and defensive pairings. A place or two are currently available for opening night, and a few prospects could find themselves in a Sharks’ uniform to start the year.
Dylan Gambrell has the inside track to potentially start on the fourth line. He played a few games at the end of last season for the Sharks, showing a few positives after finishing his career at the University of Denver.
For Gambrell, he cannot go into camp expecting to win the job outright. The San Jose Barracuda would be the best option to get some seasoning with the AHL.
Rudolfs Balcers is a likely candidate to earn a spot out of camp. He led the Barracuda last season in points and appeared ready to get his shot at the NHL. The Sharks did callup Balcers briefly last year, but he saw no action before being sent down again.
Players on defense who may see time with the Sharks this season are Nick DeSimone and Jeremy Roy. DeSimone registered 20 points with the Barracuda and played well under coach Roy Sommer after signing as a free agent in 2017.
Roy is a compelling case, as the defenseman is coming off another major injury to his knee. When healthy, Roy flashed his potential with the Barracuda before going down. The ceiling is high for the offensive-minded defender, but the inability to stay healthy could ultimately make him a bust.
Sharks open training camp on Friday.
Next. Sharks: Additions Likely to Come During Season. dark
Hockey returns soon with each team facing questions with the hope answers will come during om training camp. As for the Sharks, a bright future turned sour with another unproductive offseason. The Sharks have talent, but not enough right now to win the Stanley Cup.