The Sharks major holes are on defense and in goal, but that doesn't mean they should ignore their need to find a top-six winger. Matt Beleskey is a UFA on July 1st and could be an option for team teal.
Beleskey isn't carried by anyone on the Ducks – not Kesler, Getzlaf or Perry. He’s a capable player away from all of the Ducks stars which is great positive. Here's a look at his WOWY stats with forwards he spent at least 150 minutes with at 5v5.
Possession is an admitted priority for Doug Wilson so Beleskey satisfies that portion of Doug’s request list for incoming players.
Statistically, Beleskey finished behind only Perry and Getzlaf in Pts/60 at 5v5 this year on the Ducks and had he appeared in more than 65 games he may have exceeded the 40 point mark.
The biggest concern I have is that to get his 22 goals, Beleskey shot 15.2% - well over his career average of 9.9%. So will the gaining team receive a 15.2% shooter? Who knows. The gaining team could always just tell him to shoot the puck more to compensate I suppose.
He’s had a knack for the net all year and after the Calgary series finished up last night it’s safe to say he hasn’t lost his touch just yet. The UFA market, though, is a dangerous place; a place where players are disgustingly overpaid.
Last year Beleskey made $1.4M, so he’s due for a raise – but how much? Here are a few players near his individual pts/60 with at least 750 TOI for 2014-2015 (Puckalytics.com) and what those players will make this coming year.
A few scary totals in there. Ideally, a dollar amount around Kyle Okposo’s would be great – but since this is the 2015 free agency market that’s not likely a realistic possibility. Then there’s the whole term thing.
Since Beleskey exceeded nine goals in season only one other time he’s most likely going to want some length on his contract.
He’s a good possession player, but it’s a gamble to assume he’ll shoot at such a high clip again and provide over 20 goals. Then again, if he’s playing with Joe Thornton he’ll get his chances.
If his new contract is near any of those players not named Okposo then I’d take a pass – and I probably wouldn't go beyond 3 years if we could meet on a dollar amount. The Sharks don’t need to chase an offensive gamble right now.
What say you? Go after Beleskey? What’s your contract offer?
Thanks for reading.