With new netminder Alexandar Georgiev in the organization, many fans will be concerned about his ability to stop the puck and keep the Sharks in games. I'll admit, I'm concerned too. But there is no reason to believe that the Sharks will have a long-standing issue in goal. Georgiev's struggles this season are new, and this isn't a netminder with a long history of sub-.900 save percentage seasons as a starter in the National Hockey League.
Georgiev's time in Colorado was a mixed bag. He started in the 2022-23 season with a .918 save percentage and a 2.53 goals against average, but followed that up with a .897 save percentage last year with a 3.02 goals against average. That's not awful, but it is a significant decline. This year, Georgiev's fallen off the face of a cliff with a .874 save percentage and a 3.38 goals-against average. He's not been able to get going this season, hence the Avalanche choosing to dump him for Blackwood.
With no expectations and knowing the Sharks will allow him to face at least 30 shots a game, there's a chance his stats rebound just because of how much work he has to do. If he allows three goals on 40 shots, that's still a save percentage above .900. That's what the Sharks will be hoping for as he looks to get back to his best.
If the Sharks can help Georgiev rebound, they will be able to flip him at the deadline. There's no secret regarding the lack of available goaltenders, and between Georgiev and Vanecek, the Sharks could flip both for more picks to provide solutions to other teams in the net. San Jose is stilln't competing, but they will soon. With Georgiev not being on a long-term contract, this deal looks better than if he was signed for multiple years.