NHL Season Preview: San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks



Last Season's standings: record- 44-27-11 for 99 points. The Sharks finished the 05-06 season in 2nd in the Pacific Division and 5th in the Western Conference

In: Mark Bell F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Mike Grier F (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Matthew Darche F (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Patrick Traverse D (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Rob Davison D; Scott Parker F; Dmitri Patzoid G; Graham Mink F (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Scott Ferguson D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Taylor Dakers G; Jim Fahey D; Marcel Goc F; Doug Murray D; Thomas Plihal F; Craig Valette F; Garrett Stafford D; Grant Stevenson F; Mark Smith F; Christian Ehrhoff D; Mathieu Biron D (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Patrick Rissmiller F

Out: Tom Preissing D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Josh Hennessey D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Nils Ekman F (via trade w/ Pittsburgh Penguins); Patrick Ehelechner G (via trade w/Pittsburgh Penguins); Scott Thorton F (new team: LA Kings); Alyn McCauley F (new team: LA Kings); Tim Conboy D (new team: Carolina Hurricanes); Matt Carkner D (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins)

Season Outlook: Good. The Sharks had a really busy off-season re-signing all their group 2 restricted free agents. They also acquired key forwards Mark Bell and Mike Grier. Defense is going to be the big question mark for this team as 2 of their top four defensemen have left for different teams. They head into the season on high hopes with the best 1-2 punch at Center in Joe Thorton and Patrich Marleau. Jonathon Cheechoo and Mark Bell will combine with Thorton to form a dangerous top line. Their Goaltending will have to be at the top of their game for this team to go anywhere.

Season Prediction: San Jose will take the #4 playoff spot and 2nd place in the Pacific Division.