Sharks Sign Scott Gomez
By Ryan Bayer
Jan 14, 2012; Montreal, QC, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Scott Gomez (11) before the game against the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Today the San Jose Sharks announced that they have come to terms with Unrestricted Free Agent Scott Gomez. Gomez was recently bought out by the Montreal Canadiens before he could finish the remaining two years of his contract with the club. Many teams had expressed interest in Gomez including the team who originally drafted him, the New Jersey Devils. But San Jose had something that the other franchises didn’t have and that was having Larry Robinson at their disposal. Both Robinson and Gomez spent time together with the Devils organization in which they won two Stanley Cups together (2000, 2003).
This could be something that Gomez needed was a change in scenery. When the Sharks invited Gomez to their practice facility they gave a full physical and for him to take part in a private practice session to see if he still had it. Furthermore, on the day they brought Scott Gomez to San Jose, the Sharks were getting ready to leave for their two game road trip against the Flames and the Oilers. Moreover, Gomez joined the team on Air Shark and flew to Calgary to continue the evaluation process.
During the Sharks road trip to Canada things started progressing quickly for Scott Gomez and Sharks head coach Todd McLellan took noticed and had this to say about him. “He’s coming across as a very hungry player; a guy that would like to prove himself right before he proves everybody else wrong.”
It is projected that Scott Gomez will be the center for the teams third line that is currently being occupied by Michal Handzus. This signing could mean that Gomez could make his San Jose Sharks debut tomorrow night in which they host the Phoenix Coyotes for the second straight year.
The contract is set for a 1 year deal at $700,000 in which it will be prorated at 48 games.
Gomez brings 902 career regular season games of experience which includes time spent with the New Jersey Devils, the New York Rangers and Montreal to the San Jose Sharks. In addition, he also tallied 686 points (169 goals, 517 assists). He also brings with brings with him a 140 career NHL playoff games experience and has posted 99 points (29 goals, 70 assists). Furthermore, his 70 assists are T-55th most in NHL Playoff history. Gomez has appeared in two NHL All Star games (2000, 2008) and has played in three Stanley Cup Finals (2000, 2001, 2003).
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