Sharks Fan Mailbag: Answering Your Offseason Questions

THN asked San Jose Sharks fans for any questions still on their mind for the 2024 offseason.

Will there be any more free-agency signings?

In short, THN doesn't believe there will be any more significant signings for GM Mike Grier. While another defenseman is likely needed, San Jose doesn't seem keen on making too many more moves. While there is always a chance for things to change, Grier has not indicated that he will sign another blueliner when asked.

Does Jack Thompson get an extended look in the NHL?

Jack Thompson played two games at the end of the 2023-24 season. Both games were non-contests as the Sharks were battered against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.

Adding Jake Walman certainly doesn't help Thompson's cause for more NHL time, but as Anton suggests, only three right-handed d-men are on the projected roster. There is always a chance of injury, and after Shakir Mukhamadullin, THN projects Thompson to be the next young defenseman to make the jump as a regular call-up.

What is the goalie situation?

Mackenzie Blackwood enters the second year of his two-year $4.7 million contract. Staying healthy was the key to Blackwood's successful 23-24 season, and if he can repeat that this season, the Sharks have said they view him as a potential No. 1 goalie in the league.

Vitek Vancek is expected to be ready for training camp and should start the season as Blackwood's backup. Grier told reporters he would like to add another veteran goalie who can play in the minors but be a solid third-stringer.

Magnus Chrona and Georgi Romanov are the 1A and 1B for the San Jose Barracuda.

Should Grier trade the VGK 2025 1st for a top goalie prospect?

This is a tricky ask from Skylar. While the Sharks don't have top-tier goaltending prospects, Blackwood is only 28 years old and has proven he can play a solid game in the NHL.

Skylar mentions the top two goalies that are rumored the most, Spencer Knight and Yaroslav Askarov. Askarov likely has a higher price than Knight but might be more available via trade due to the Nashville Predators extending Juuse Saros for eight years.

The Sharks aren't in a position to start spending first-round picks just yet, as they have a solid option in the net with Blackwood. Keep loading up the prospect pool, especially the defense, and then re-evaluate if Blackwood is the guy after this season.

Will there be a forward traded before the regular season?

It is no secret that the Sharks have a logjam of forwards heading into training camp. While Grier says this camp will be the most competitive since taking over, that could also mean more players getting waived.

Related: Mike Grier Isn't Concerned With Amount Of Forwards; Expects Sharks Training Camp To Be Most Competitive Since Taking Over

Justin Bailey signed a two-way deal, which led THN to believe he would likely be in the AHL for some of the season. He was expected to do so last season, but injuries forced the Sharks hand and his play.

While it is unlikely that a trade will happen that early in the season, if an injury occurs during another team's training camp, you never know.

What position battles are the most interesting?

This question is precisely what the Sharks' season will be built on: which players will define the Sharks, and which young players will be the most exciting?

I believe the battle for the third and fourth-line wings is the top matchup to watch during training camp. Ty Dellandrea, Carl Grundstrom, Barclay Goodrow, Collin Graf, Daniil Gushchin, Luke Kunin, Klim Kostin, and more make up the players who could be borderline roster spots.

Players like Kunin and Goodrow likely won't be in much of a battle, but if a young player opens some of Grier or head coach Ryan Warsofsky's eyes, then we could see a difference in who is in the lineup for game one compared to who the healthy scratches are.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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