The San Jose Sharks are facing some very tough decisions this summer. Age is not on their side as a much younger and much faster Edmonton proved. Factor in the rise of the Barracuda during the Calder Cup Playoffs and tough decisions become almost impossible.

Do the Sharks continue to play for now or do they try and build a competitive unit for today AND tomorrow. Sounds easy enough but the latter would mean the end of an era in teal.

As the Barracuda prepare for the Western Conference Finals it becomes increasingly clearer that players on the current roster are NHL ready and will soon require a permanent spot in the NHL. The Sharks have over $58 million invested in 17 players for 2017-18.

That means it might just be the right time to let both unrestricted free agents Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton move on to another team. Obviously this is an unpopular point of view, but one that would allow the team to evolve rather quickly, while saving money and getter younger.

Thornton and Marleau are heroes in San Jose. Shoot, they are heroes throughout the league. The loss of such high profile players will no doubt send shock waves through the Pacific Division and NHL alike. Their impact on the franchise and the fan base are ever lasting. But the time is now to walk away and retool from within.

There is no telling what the lasting effects of an offseason knee surgery will have on an aging Thornton. Will he be able to withstand the rigors of a long season while maintaining the elite level of play we have grown to expect?

Marleau had a solid regular season posting 46 points (27g 19a) in 82 games. The 27 goals was his highest in three seasons, but the point production is the lowest since his rookie season (min 76 games). At 37, chances are Marleau’s days as a perennial point producer are over.

Hockey decisions made with the heart do not build winners. So as hard as it may be, the Sharks should turn their attention elsewhere. It just may be the only way to keep this team competitive for many years to come.

Let me have it. Should the Sharks keep this group together or should they move on so they can move forward?

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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