As the dust settles after the first week of free agency the Sharks have been fairly quiet. There was no big gift under the tree for Sharks fans.
Adam Burish joins San Jose and brings along a winning pedigree after hoisting the Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010. Burish was part of the huge exodus by the Blackhawks after they won the Cup for cap reasons. Burish is for the most part is the kind of player the Sharks need, he is tough, he does the little things well, he pays attention to detail, and he brings some grit to his game.
Burish’s issue is he hasn’t figured out how to bring the sandpaper without getting hurt. Since the start of his NHL career he has averaged 58 games a year with his most coming his first full year in the league in 2007/08 when he played 81 games and the least came two years later when he only managed to dress for 13. The Sharks are taking a chance on the rugged winger who has been signed to a four year deal at 1.85 million per season (according to capgeek.com.) If Burish is able to maintain his health this will turn out to be a good signing for the Sharks.
Still unsigned is Daniel Winnik who many thought had played well enough to earn an offer from San Jose, and may still yet end up in teal before the season begins. Winnik and T.J Galiardi came over at the trade deadline from Colorado and Galiardi may also be a Shark come the start of the 2012-13 season.
We didn’t see Galiardi’s best once he joined San Jose but that doesn’t mean that the second round choice from the 2007 draft is done. He could turn things around with some time in San Jose and become a quality depth player. If he overachieves he could push for top six time.
The biggest news around the NHL was the Minnesota Wild signing the two biggest sought after free agents on the market in Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. Both players went home so to say with Parise growing up in the twin cities and Suter from Wisconsin, however his wife comes from the hockey state.
This was a great signing for the Wild and will help bring a balance of power to the NHL. Prior to this signing the rumors were that these guys would end up in places like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or Detroit where the talent level is already through the roof. This does also mean a tougher game for the Sharks four times a year when they play Minnesota but keep in mind that San Jose has played in, and continues to play in the arguably the most difficult division in the league so what are few more tougher games.
The biggest fish still out there are no doubt one-time Shark Teemu Selanne and Shane Doan. If Selanne plays another season, and let’s hope he does for he is a great player who oozes class he will for sure continue to suit up for the Ducks in Anaheim.
Shane Doan waits to hear about the ownership issues with the Coyotes and whether or not they are staying in Glendale. Tomorrow will be a big day for that organization as news on their situation is forthcoming. The Coyotes are the only team Doan has played for as he was drafted by that team when they were still in Winnipeg. His family and kids have grown up in the Phoenix area and they have become a part of that community. If the Yotes are staying it is no secret that Doan would like to stay as well.
If they will be moving a rumor going around is that the Kings in L.A would be very interested in acquiring the forward who has been a consistent twenty goal scorer, won a gold medal, kills penalties, brings a physical element, and who won the Mark Messier award for leadership this season. LA would be a good fit for Doan if his family wanted to stay in Phoenix while he plays out the last years of his long career.
The Sharks have some room on the left under the cap to sign a guy like Doan who arguably would be a good fit anywhere he goes, but where would he play if in San Jose. He is a top six forward skill wise but who would he bump. Perhaps the added pressure would keep those underachievers on the Shark’s roster honest and push them to bring their best every night.
Maxing out to the top of the cap has never been GM Wilson’s style and it is a good way to go into the season. With some room left under the cap that leaves room for mid-season trades which the Sharks like to do.
Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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