Feb 2, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; The San Jose Sharks player skates onto the ice prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
The man does exist. San Jose Sharks owner Hasso Plattner spoke following the announcement on Friday that the Sharks and the City of San Jose had agreed to extend their lease for SAP Center, potentially through 2040.
Plattner, who spends most of the year in Europe, spoke with a handful of local media and gave some of his insights regarding the past season. David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News was on hand and posted what Plattner had to say.
It was an interesting read because Plattner seemed in tune with the state of his franchise. From the outside and a fan’s perspective, it doesn’t always appear that way because we rarely see or hear from him.
However, Plattner touched on a variety of topics and even knew the Sharks needed to add defensive help and upgrade their fourth line next season. In other words, he’s telling Wilson that John Scott better not be on the payroll next year.
In his comments, Plattner was steadfast behind general manager Doug Wilson and the rebuilding process the Sharks are undertaking. Plattner said the fans probably over-reacted in wanting to fire Wilson, but also mentioned how upset he was by the past season.
It’s never a good idea to bring the fans into the picture, especially off a season when the team under-performed. Also, Plattner pin-pointed one key moment of the season: the Stadium Series game.
“The pivotal point was probably the loss in the stadium game,” he said. “It was probably also emotional. I don’t know. But, when it’s such a big event and everything was focusing on the event, and then you don’t shine. You lose. It was tight, but we lost. After that, I think we got a little bit deflated.”
He was probably right in his assessment here, although San Jose had struggled for much of the month of February before that. However, the Sharks loss to the Los Angeles Kings knocked them from the playoff picture, and they never got back in the race.
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While Plattner appeared disappointed, he voiced confidence in the message he was getting from Wilson and the hockey department. Plattner said the team has some cap room and is in a good situation contract-wise, so there’s the ability to bring in some players. Now, it’s up to Wilson to get that accomplished.
“This is how I see it so there is potential,” Plattner said. “And let him (Wilson) do his job, what he can bring to the Sharks.”
Finally, Plattner also touched on the spat between Wilson and Joe Thornton where he ultimately had to intervene and get involved. In Plattner’s mind, the dispute is behind both parties.
“I’m not commenting on who made the bigger mistake, but I think they both realized it and settled it as hockey players. I can tell you or what I know from both that it’s over.”
One can only hope the two went into Wilson’s office and dropped the gloves to “settle it as hockey players.” I’m sure everyone involved would have a greater respect for each other if this is how it got settled.
Anyways, it appears Plattner is plugged into the state of his franchise and hopefully he can be an integral part of the turnaround moving forward.