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Sometimes the best deadline deals are the ones you don't make

February 13, 2017, 11:21 PM ET [7 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
With the NHL trade deadline just weeks away, are San Jose Sharks once again in the market for a backup goaltender? That appears to be the buzz surrounding potential deals for Sharks GM Doug Wilson.

Last year at the deadline, Wilson acquired James Reimer for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Reimer put in Yeoman's work allowing head coach Pete Deboer to rest Martin Jones down the stretch. Reimer started 8 games for the Sharks and went 6-2 with a 1.62 goals against, .938 save percentage and three shutouts.

Reimer signed with the Florida Panthers over the summer, leaving the Sharks back-up duties to an unproven 27-year-old Aaron Dell. The Sharks rookie is 6-4, with 2.05 GAA and .928 save percentage. He' been more than capable.

There will be no shortage of goalies dangled out there as March 1st approaches (Pavelec, Halak, Bishop etc), but that doesn't mean Wilson should be looking. Dell has been more than serviceable as Jones' backup. He's been really darn good.

He was outstanding in the Sharks overtime loss in Philly this past weekend. He basically stole a point from the Flyers with his 33 save performance and that is exactly what you want from your back up goalie.

I cannot for the life of me understand why this keeps coming up. What more do the Sharks need from a back-up? What am I missing? So much is made of the trade deadline and loading up for a shot at the Stanley Cup. At the same time, the best deals are often the ones that never come together. The more I see Dell play, the more confident I grow in him. Wilson may be best served focusing on adding some depth up front (Martin Hanzal) or another blueliner, ala Roman Polak.

Let me know what you think. Should the Sharks bring in another back-up? Or do you see biggest question marks elsewhere?

thanks for reading,
Steve
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