San Jose Sharks: 3 goalies to trade for in the offseason
By Matt Hawkins
The San Jose Sharks have a goalie problem. However, they have other options besides free agency, like trading for a goaltender. Let’s take a gander at three goalies the Sharks could trade for this offseason.
As every San Jose Sharks fan knows, the Sharks have struggled with goaltending the past two seasons. Neither their starter, Martin Jones, nor their backup, Aaron Dell, have been good. Some would argue that they’ve both been well below average.
Below average is being nice in regards to Jones.
He’s been absolutely terrible over the past couple of seasons for the Sharks. San Jose needs to find a goalie that’s capable of a platoon role with Jones so the team can cut his starts down, and eventually, completely move on from him.
Over the past two seasons, Jones has played in 102 games and has a 2.95 goals-against average (GAA), .897 save percentage (SV%), five shutouts, and a .415 quality start percentage (QS%).
These numbers are not what you want to see from your starter. These stats aren’t even good enough to be an NHL backup — these are numbers more expected from a career AHL backup playing in the NHL.
Aaron Dell has struggled, as well. In 57 games over the past two years, Dell has posted a 3.04 GAA, .896 SV%, two shutouts, and a .409 QS%.
Obviously, Jones and Dell aren’t the answers in net for the Sharks. This offseason, the team should take a look at these three goalies and think about making a trade for one.
Making a trade for a goalie may be more beneficial for San Jose, as they could clear up some cap space and fill some roster needs in one transaction.