Martin Jones
The Sharks were able to survive last season despite posting the league’s worst save percentage at both full strength and at 5 on 5. While it was a team effort a lot of this blame gets placed on the shoulders of starter Martin Jones.
The 29-year-old’s had a turbulent 2018 – 2019 campaign. Over the course of the year we saw the traditionally stable Jones struggle to string together quality starts. He got the starting nod in 62 total contests ending the season with an abysmal (-22.87) GSAA which was the 2nd worst in the entire NHL (Only behind Quick).
Over the previous 3 seasons Jones recorded a .915 SV% and compiled a 6.65 GSAA. He’s historically been an above average goalie as a San Jose Shark, so what exactly went wrong for the soft-spoken netminder last season?
There are a number of factors that contributed to Jones demise. Whether that be fatigue, new defensive structure in front of him, opponents have a better understanding of his tendencies, or all of things combined.
Regardless of what’s ailing Martin Jones the Sharks will need him to deliver next season. Especially taking into consideration the amount they’ve invested into him and lack of options for a replacement. Ultimately it will be up to Jones who is entering his 5th season as the San Jose’s starting netminder to show that he’s up to the task of being a quality NHL starter.