The Sharks have taken care of one of their two remaining RFAs, defenseman Jack Thompson, to a one-year two-way contract worth $800k at the NHL level.
Thompson was acquired by the Sharks back at the 2024 trade deadline from Tampa Bay as part of the return for Anthoney Duclair. Thompson showed promise after the trade, scoring 9 points in 16 AHL games and getting in 2 games for the Sharks.
In his first full season as a Shark, Thompson split time between the AHL and the NHL. In 27 games for the Barracuda, Thompson scored 14 points. For the Sharks he posted four goals and 10 points in 31 games, a respectable total for a rookie defenseman.
Despite the promise he showed in his rookie season, Thompson will be hard pressed to make the Sharks next season, with the additions the Sharks made, Thompson is likely on the outs heading into next season, and with prospects Dickinson and Cagnoni likely being prioritized, Thompson will likely spend a good chunk of next season in the minors. Still, the 23-year-old is capable of depth and in the event of an injury could seize a chance on the Sharks' blueline.
The Sharks' lone RFA remaining is Danil Gushchin. Reports indicate he is considering a return to Russia, but he may also return to the Sharks for another season. It would be a shame if Gushchin went to the KHL. The undersized winger has been an excellent producer for the Barracuda and still has some untapped potential for the Sharks. Given the influx of youth in the Sharks system, however, it makes sense that Gushchin wants to explore his options. If he does go overseas, the Sharks will retain his rights if he chooses to return to North America.
The Sharks have seemingly wrapped up most of their offseason work, with Grier stating the team is likely done making additions, but will be active in case something comes up similar to the Yaroslav Askarov trade last year. All in all it's been a productive summer for the Sharks.