Folks, it has been a long time since I last posted an article for Blades of Teal. In fact, I believe the last time I wrote a post was before the draft and after the Sharks……well….you know what happened against the Kings. And since I last wrote, a lot of very interesting things have happened for this San Jose Sharks team. In fact, it was an offseason that all Sharks fans will remember for a very long time. So let’s look back on one of the most interesting offseason’s in a very long time.
More from Sharks News
- Norris Trophy odds show Erik Karlsson a step above the rest
- Red hot Couture provides a much needed boost
- Sharks return to SAP in sight
- Ryan Donato shines in his revenge game
- Tomas Hertl is off to a hot start
The Draft
This draft could be one to remember for the San Jose Sharks due to two players, Nikolay Goldobin, and Alexis Varnier. Goldobin had more even strength points than any other player on the OHL, and on a not very good Sarnia Sting team, and Alexis Varnier is 6’5 and 225 pounds (!!!!!!). Varnier might end up being the next big Sharks sleeper pick. Not only is he a physical freak on the blue line, he was also a point per game player in the QMJHL last year, meaning he has a lot of offensive ability. Varnier could end up being the size of Douglas Murray with the offensive skill that far surpasses Douglas Murray.
Drew Remenda
So. Drew Remenda. The long time Sharks broadcaster who has been a part of the organization since the team entered the league in 1991. This year, the Sharks announced they weren’t renewing the contract of Drew Remenda to be the color commentator this season. This move outraged fans, and nobody really has any certain idea on why. We still don’t completely know. All we know is that Sharks broadcasts will no longer have Drew Remenda, and a little piece inside of me will be missing as well.
Television Deal
The same day it was announced that the Sharks were not going to renew the contract of Drew Remenda, it was announced that the San Jose Sharks television deal is actually hemorrhaging money. The Sharks organization is trying to convince the NHL to make a new deal so that they won’t have to keep losing money year after year. If they don’t, there is the possibility of relocation. Now, the odds are extremely minimal, but it is still a possibility none the less. We thought that the offseason couldn’t get any worse. Oh, how wrong we were.
We expected changes after the Sharks embarrassing loss to the Los Angeles Kings, but when they said changes, we expected maybe a blockbuster trade, or a key free agent signing. Well, they definitely made changes…
Roster Moves
The first roster move of the offseason was giving Mike Brown a multiyear contract. Yes, that Mike Brown. I wish I could say this was the most surprising move of the offseason, but unfortunately it was not. Right after giving enforcer Mike Brown a multiyear deal, the Sharks decided to sign John Scott. John. Scott. If you are reading this and you don’t know who John Scott is, let me explain. John Scott is a boxer who sometimes plays hockey skates nevermind. You can just end the sentence at “John Scott is a boxer.” He adds nothing else to the team whatsoever. Now, I know that you need some fighters on a hockey team. Someone to stand up and swing momentum. However, when the Sharks already have Andrew Desjardins and Tommy Wingels, two players that add something to the team that is beneficial besides fighting, it is a wonder why the Sharks signed two enforcers to add to their roster.
Stadium Series
It was speculated about a month or two ago that the San Jose Sharks would host an outdoor game in the Bay Area. There were some rumors about where it would be, and who it would be against. Well it was just announced that the Sharks will indeed host a Stadium Series and it will be held at Levi’s Stadium. Although AT&T Park has better scenery and easier traffic, Levi’s Stadium has a higher capacity and is closer to San Jose, so that decision isn’t surprising. Neither is who they play against. The NHL just loves to run with the rivalry theme and decided that of course the Sharks outdoor opponent should be the Los Angeles Kings. Now, I understand that a game against the Kings would be a massive ratings gold mine with what happened last year, but come on NHL, HAVEN’T WE SUFFERED ENOUGH?!
Apparently not.
Well here’s to a……season. Hopefully it’s a good one.