Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2023 12:37:15 GMT -6
We're 2 years into the PFHL and we have 2 years of playoff disappointment for the San Jose Sharks. Will this season be different? Can San Jose make it past the 2nd round for the first time in franchise history?..on paper it should happen. This will be the best team San Jose has ever iced with more depth up front than ever before, stronger star power on defence, and a goaltender that is still growing into his own. There is a buzz in the Sharks dressing room with the addition of Nino Niederreiter and the blockbuster trade that saw assistant captain Sidney Crosby get dealt to Tampa Bay for Chris Kreider, Brenden Dillon and a 1st round pick.
"Losing Sid was tough, he's one of my best friends and a great guy but we understand in a cap league that tough moves have to be made. Nino, Kreider, and Dillon give us a little more depth than we had last season. I expect us to be even better this year, especially come playoff time." - Captain Connor McDavid.
Indeed moves were made. With Sid gone Roope Hintz will now slot into that 2C position, he put up 97 points in 82 games last season as McDavid's wing man but can he replicate that type of success driving his own line? That's one of the many questions surrounding the Sharks success this season. The biggest of those questions is...is this the last dance? The Sharks have 7 pro roster pending UFA's including the likes of Toffoli, Meier, Perron, Nino, and Kreider.
"Obviously with the way the cap is we won't be able to keep everyone beyond this year. However, we don't believe that this is a "last dance". Some of these players will be coming back and others we will just have to find replacements for via trades and free agency. This is a part of my job that I love, finding ways to stay relevant and keep this team in contender status." -GM Wills.
Regardless of who they re sign, the Sharks have high expectations this year. Once again it's cup or bust! Below is the projected lineup for the Sharks, expect some tinkering to come during the PFHL pre season.
Chris Kreider (79) - Connor McDavid (91) - Timo Meier (79)
Tyler Toffoli (80) - Roope Hintz (83) - Nino Niederreiter (78)
Nico Sturm (72) - Boone Jenner (73) - David Perron (77)
Eric Robinson (69) - Luke Glendening (67) - Nick Cousins (69)
Brenden Dillon (74) - Alex Pietrangelo (84)
Mattias Ekholm (77) - Oscar Klefbom (81)
Danny Dekeyser (69) - Luke Schenn (71)
Alex Nedeljkovic (84)
Ville Husso (74)
"Losing Sid was tough, he's one of my best friends and a great guy but we understand in a cap league that tough moves have to be made. Nino, Kreider, and Dillon give us a little more depth than we had last season. I expect us to be even better this year, especially come playoff time." - Captain Connor McDavid.
Indeed moves were made. With Sid gone Roope Hintz will now slot into that 2C position, he put up 97 points in 82 games last season as McDavid's wing man but can he replicate that type of success driving his own line? That's one of the many questions surrounding the Sharks success this season. The biggest of those questions is...is this the last dance? The Sharks have 7 pro roster pending UFA's including the likes of Toffoli, Meier, Perron, Nino, and Kreider.
"Obviously with the way the cap is we won't be able to keep everyone beyond this year. However, we don't believe that this is a "last dance". Some of these players will be coming back and others we will just have to find replacements for via trades and free agency. This is a part of my job that I love, finding ways to stay relevant and keep this team in contender status." -GM Wills.
Regardless of who they re sign, the Sharks have high expectations this year. Once again it's cup or bust! Below is the projected lineup for the Sharks, expect some tinkering to come during the PFHL pre season.
Chris Kreider (79) - Connor McDavid (91) - Timo Meier (79)
Tyler Toffoli (80) - Roope Hintz (83) - Nino Niederreiter (78)
Nico Sturm (72) - Boone Jenner (73) - David Perron (77)
Eric Robinson (69) - Luke Glendening (67) - Nick Cousins (69)
Brenden Dillon (74) - Alex Pietrangelo (84)
Mattias Ekholm (77) - Oscar Klefbom (81)
Danny Dekeyser (69) - Luke Schenn (71)
Alex Nedeljkovic (84)
Ville Husso (74)
