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).

LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!

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#23 Scott Gomez skates with the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgray, AB, Canada January 20, 2013. Mandatory credit: Kevin Kurz/San Jose Sharks.

Today Unrestricted Free Agent Scott Gomez continues to be evaluated by the San Jose Sharks.  Yesterday, forward Scott Gomez participated of the morning skate practice in Calgray with the teams healthy scratches.  In addition, Gomez took part in his first full practice session with the Sharks in Edmonton as San Jose will be wrapping up their quick two game road trip in Canada.  A decision has yet to be made on his status with the organization, but the final verdict could come as early tomorrow before San Jose takes on the Oilers.

The main objective for Scott Gomez and the Sharks is to make sure that he is at game shape before Doug Wilson takes a chance on him.  Gomez was recently bought out by the Canadiens before he could finish the two final years he had left on that contract.  The big question for the organization is where to fit Scott into the lineup.

As of today the Sharks are at full strength with 23 players on their roster.  The centerman is however known for his playmaking skills and could find a home on the teams third line with both Galiardi and Wingels as potential linemates.  For the past few seasons, San Jose has had major issues with secondary scoring and the addition by Gomez could very well help solve that outstanding issue.  If he does happen to center the third line, Michal Handzus would get bumped down to the fourth line and alternate with Adam Burish who is the current centerman there.

Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan took notice of Gomez today at practice.

****“For me, the fitness test is, can he keep up in practice right now? If you can’t, you’re not fit,” McLellan said. “From what I’ve seen – today was the first day he skated with us – he looked quick. The effort level in practice was strong.”****

****Link to quote: http://www.csncalifornia.com/blog/kevin-kurz/sharks-notes-gomez-skates-again-stuarts-second-debut****

Current Associate Coach Larry Robinson and Scott Gomez share a connection from their days with the New Jersey Devils organization.  Gomez and Robinson won two Stanley Cups together in 2000 and 2003.  So a change in scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for Gomez.

During the lockout he suited up for his hometown team the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.  With the Alaska Aces, he played 11 games and recorded six goals and seven assists along with 12 penalty minutes to his credit.

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