My Two Cents: Sharks Re-Sign Wingels, Hannan; Move-On with “Moneyball” Approach

San Jose Sharks defenseman Scott Hannan (27) Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Hannan & Sheppard Return- On Thursday the Sharks announced the re-signing of veteran free-agent defenseman Scott Hannan to a one-year contract reported to be worth a cool million. Hannan has three goals and nine assists in 56 games for Team Teal last season. Hannan, 35, began his NHL career with the Sharks after being drafted by the team in 1997. Hannan has just under one thousand career NHL games (568 with the Sharks) and has always been a player who has been a quiet leader who knows how to grind with the best of them. He may not be able to play the game as he did much earlier in his career, but more often than not has found a way to be a solid contributor wherever he has gone. In addition to his career with the Sharks, Hannan has also spent time with Colorado, Calgary, Washington and Nashville before finally coming back home to San Jose.

The Sharks also re-signed restricted free-agent forward James Sheppard, 26, to a one-year deal this past Tuesday. Sheppard, according to Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson, has proven himself to be one of the hardest working players on the team. When Sheppard was acquired by the Sharks he was recovering from an injury that seemed to have set back his career. Once he finally got the call to come up to Team Teal, he showed that he can more than hold his own on the ice. Sheppard is not the best player on the team nor the flashiest. He probably won’t light up the scoreboard very often either. What Sheppard does bring to the table is a willingness to work hard and is a total team player on the ice. Like Hannan, he takes directions very well and is willing to battle for the puck, roll up his sleeves and get dirty. Sheppard, in 67 regular season games for the Sharks last year, scored four goals and had 16 assists. Sheppard is hardly a newcomer as he has spent his 323 game NHL career between the Sharks and the Minnesota Wild.

Both signings, to some, may not sound all that exciting at face value. However with both Hannan and Sheppard, the Sharks have two players who when on the ice are hunting the puck actively and are not afraid to challenge the opposition. Both players in many ways do the little things that when executed well set the table for the team as a whole. When you look at most rosters in the NHL, it’s players like Hannan and Sheppard who play the small roles that make a huge difference to the team. Hannan on his own is a veteran of the NHL and his experience as a player will help to mentor the younger core of players who are going to play bigger roles with Team Teal this coming season.