Sharks finalize coaching staff

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

The Sharks made it official today, naming Trent Yawney, Todd Richards and Jay Woodcroft as assistant coaches for the coming season.

Those names have all been circulating here and elsewhere, but the one real bit of real news in the series of announcements being made today is that Corey Schwab has been hired as the team’s goalie development coach. Assistant General Manager Wayne Thomas will continue to work with Sharks goalies at the NHL level, with Schwab — most recently a scout and assistant goalie coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning — working with prospects at Worcester and elsewhere.

Read the entire post from Working the Corners here.

The above coaching staff had been rumored to have been all but hired as recently as Monday, so no real surprises here.

Joe Thornton sold Curtis Brown on playing in Switzerland

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

I had a chance the other day to talk with Curtis Brown and he sounded as if he’s ready for the next phase of his hockey career to continue in Switzerland.

That may be because Brown talked with Joe Thornton — who played there during the 2004-05 lockout — before signing a two-year contract with the Kloten Flyers.

“That was key,” Brown said. “I talked to Joe and he said it was unbelievable.”

Read the entire entry from Working the Corners here.

Brown should get more ice-time overseas and seems genuinely excited about experiencing a new culture.

Oren Koules on the Dan Boyle trade

From Jerome Stockfisch of the Tampa Tribune:

"Like anything in life, there's two sides to the story," he told fans after one inquired about the circumstances. "I'm certainly not going to debate that Dan Boyle won a Stanley Cup here. He's a great hockey player, the best puck-moving defenseman in the league.

"To make our team better, to make it better tomorrow, to make it better in the future, to make it better now, we felt this was a move we had to do. We got four great assets back for him and Brad Lukowich. It makes us a better hockey club."

Read Stockfisch's entire profile of Koules here.

Trading Boyle sure doesn't make the Lightning better now. In the future, it may be a beneficial move; however, if the Lightning is so concerned about the future, why sign Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts and Olaf Kolzig?

McLellan prepares for the season

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Even before returning to San Jose, McLellan had been laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.

He and Doug Wilson, for example, have been assembling a staff of assistant coaches that is expected to be announced early next week. One name almost sure to be on the list is Trent Yawney, one-time coach of the Chicago Blackhawks and a former teammate of the Sharks' G.M.

McLellan also has been in touch with many of his players.

Read the entire article here.

By all accounts, McLellan should be a great hire in San Jose. The team has all the talent in the world, and is arguably the second-best team in the NHL heading into the 2008/09 season.

Sharks re-sign Ehrhoff

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Confirming that Christian Ehrhoff has signed a new contract that will pay him
$9.3 million over the next three years, including $2.75 million in the 2008-09
season. The official announcement is expected tomorrow.

Read the entire entry from Working the Corners here.

That's about market value for a young defenseman with Ehrhoff's skill-set. The big defenseman saw his point totals decrease last season, but he should rebound in 2008/09.

Dan Boyle not happy with Lightning ownership

From Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune:

“I understand at the end of the day that it’s a business, this is a business. I
understand that more than anybody. But there is a way to conduct business, and
the way that my situation was handled was absolutely not the way to do it. I,
for a long time now, have been under the impression that I was part of this team
going forward, wanting input from me on other players, and never in a million
years did I think that I was one of the guys that needed to go. Just a few days
ago [media were told] that the rumors were a joke, Dan Boyle is going to play 25
minutes, he’s not being traded, he’s not going anywhere. They made it clear that
we are not going to go after an offensive-defenseman [in free agency] because we
have the best one in the league. Now, going back to business-is-business, when I
find out from an absolutely ton of different sources that my [butt] has been on
the trading block since I signed the extension, that to me, is not the way you
do business...

Read more from Bolts Report here.

Boyle has a right to be angry that new ownership denied he was going anywhere then traded him about a week and a half later. That said, Boyle should be ecstatic he was traded because the Sharks should be Cup contenders for the foreseeable future.

Top four winners so far this off-season

I realize it is only three days into the free agent process, however, there has been an incredible amount of activity the past few days. Therefore, I think it is time to compile a list of the four winners since the off-season began:

Winners

1. Detroit Red Wings: Well this is easy. The Red Wings were able to re-sign Brad Stuart to a four-year contract and then pen Marian Hossa to a one-year deal at $7.4 million. More importantly, the Wings didn't lose anyone off their 2008 Stanley Cup roster. The best team in the entire NHL got substantially better without giving anything up. With the roster the team has lined up for next season, they will be even more overwhelming favorites than they were this past season. What does Ken Holland eat for breakfast in the morning? I'd love to know.

2. San Jose Sharks: The past few seasons, the Sharks have been loaded at forward; unfortunately, the team has been lacking the necessary defensive corps to take the next step. Well, that is no longer an issue for Bay Area fans. The Sharks' back-end is now comprised of Dan Boyle, Marc-Eduard Vlasic, Rob Blake, Christian Ehrhoff, Kyle McLaren, Doug Murray and Brad Lukowich (Craig Rivet was traded as this was written). That is a terrific blend of finesse and toughness. The additions of Boyle and Blake cannot be underestimated. Maybe the most important fact of all is that both players have won the Stanley Cup.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has done a great job of molding his team and establishing organizational credibility throughout the NHL. By signing Mike Commodore and trading for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman, the Jackets were able to solidify their defense going into next season. Additionally, the team was able to replace the scoring void left by Nikolai Zherdev by quickly signing Kristian Huselius. With these trades, the Jackets are demonstrating their intention of building from the net out. That is a perfect strategy with Ken Hitchcock at the helm. More importantly for Jackets fans is that Howson has signed or acquired players with 3/4 year deals; thus, not handicapping himself down the line when prospects Derrick Brassard, Jakub Voracek, etc. come up for their second contracts.

4. Montreal Canadiens: This may same like a strange team to include on this list but bear with me for a second. The Habs haven't done anything stupid this off-season, in fact, they have actually improved their roster. While they lost Mark Streit to the Islanders, the Habs would have been more foolish had they actually paid Streit that type of money (5yr, $20.5 million). The Habs only really need to replace Streit on the power play, and with Kirk Muller continuing to guide the team with the man-advantage and Andrei Markov playing the point that shouldn't be a big concern. Additionally, the Habs have become more talented up-front with the addition of tremendous passer Alex Tanguay. As well, the team added much needed muscle on the fourth line by signing the hulking Georges Laraque to a three-year contract. Finally, the team signed Andrei Kostitsyn to one of the more reasonable three-year contract extensions I've seen in a while (3yr, $9.75 million). Good work by Bob Gainey and Company.

Honorable mention:
New Jersey Devils

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Rivet dealt to Buffalo

From nhl.com:

The Buffalo Sabres acquired veteran defenseman Craig Rivet from the San Jose Sharks on Friday.

The Sharks sent the 33-year-old veteran and a seventh-round selection in the 2010 Entry Draft to the Sabres in exchange for second-round selections in the 2009 and 2010 Drafts.

Read the entire article here.

Well, the Sharks got their man in Boyle and decided that Rivet was now expendable. This is a trade that works out for both teams. The Sharks acquire a couple picks to make up for what they traded away in the Boyle trade and eliminate any problems their top 6/7 defense corps would have had over ice-time.

On the other hand, the Sabres acquire a steady top-four pairing defenseman who should help stabilize their back-end. Rivet is a solid two-way defenseman, who also brings strong leadership skills to the dressing room. His willingness to sacrifice his body and play in all types of situations should make him an instant favorite in Buffalo.

Boyle dealt to San Jose

From TSN:

Sources tell TSN that Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Dan Boyle has waived his no-trade clause and has agreed to a trade to the San Jose Sharks.

The paper work confirming Boyle has consented is being processed right now and once signed by Boyle, it will clear the way for the Sharks and Lightning to complete the deal.

In return for the 31 year old veteran defenseman, its believed Tampa will receive a package that will include 23 old defenseman Matt Carle, a 1st round pick, a prospect and a 4th round pick.

Read the entire story here.

Great trade for the Sharks. They have added one of the premier offensive defenseman in all of hockey and one who is actually quite underrated as well. While known for his puck-moving skills, Boyle is also a solid defender. His addition to the Sharks' back-end makes them arguably the second best team in all of hockey (behind Detroit).

The fact that the Sharks gave up Matt Carle, a 1st rounder (which will probably be the 28th-30th pick), a prospect and 4th rounder makes me like the trade even more. This team is a contender that just got significantly better. Also, Carle had clearly fallen out of favor with Doug Wilson as he has been rumored to have been in a number of previous San Jose trade offers.

As for Tampa Bay, I can't say I understand this move. They splurged on a bunch of forwards when their primary need was defense. Then they decide to trade their best defenseman for some draft picks and a defensively poor defenseman in Carle. They may have garnered a lot of media attention the past few weeks, but I don't think the Bolts are as good as their fans may think.

Boyle to decide between three teams

From Darren Dreger of TSN:

The Vancouver Canucks are one of three teams in the running for veteran defenseman, Dan Boyle.

Sources tell TSN the Canucks, San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers are the three teams Boyle is considering, however he has yet to waive his no-trade clause to clear the way for a trade.

The belief is Boyle will consent to trade at some point today and will select the team of his choice, however until he officially waives his no-trade, there is always a chance the Lightning's efforts to move him may be scuttled.

Read the entire report here.

The Sharks seem like the perfect landing spot for Boyle. The team could use a top-tier defenseman and has been looking for one for some time now. If the Sharks could add Rob Blake and Dan Boyle in consecutive days, then they would have to be considered the co-favorites (with Detroit) for the Western Conference crown next season.

Philadephia also could be a nice fit for Boyle. The team desires a puck-moving defenseman and would like to get quicker on the blue line. Boyle obviously satisfies both of those needs. One problem, the Flyers are already over the cap, so unless they trade substantial salary back to Tampa, then they will be behind the 8-ball the rest of the summer trying to shed salary. Additionally, Tampa would probably be less apt to trade Boyle within the conference, especially to a contending team like the Flyers.

Vancouver is an intriguing team for Boyle as well. Considering the team needs forwards and is fairly secure on defense, it is interesting that they are this heavily involved in negotiations. However, they have more than enough cap space to fit Boyle into their payroll and they obviously realize Boyle's ability to change the game from the back-end. This would be a nice acquisition for the Canucks and would give them one of the top five defensive corps in all of hockey.

Rob Blake signs with Sharks

From Rich Hammond of the L.A. Daily News:

Rob Blake has signed with San Jose, apparently for one year and $5 million.
I've confirmed this with two sources close to the situation but the Sharks have
yet to release word of this.

Read more from Hammond here.

Even though Southern California is beautfiul, clearly Blake was sick of losing. His move upstate to San Jose is a perfect fit. The big defenseman isn't what he once was, as he's lost some speed and doesn't play as physically as he used to, but he is still a nice addition to the Sharks blueline. Blake is a good locker room presence, has great experience and can still quarterback a power play. Smart move by Doug Wilson.

Marleau expected to stay in San Jose

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Today, for example, General Manager Doug Wilson could send captain Patrick Marleau to another team before the no-trade clause in his two-year, $12.6 million contract extension takes effect Tuesday. Rumors over the past two months have had Marleau wearing several different jerseys next season.

But a source familiar with the situation said Sunday that Marleau is not the subject of any trade talk, making it all but certain he will remain a Shark.

Read the entire article here.

I'm sure this is just a break from the usual number of Marleau rumors that circulate during the season.

Look for Nabokov to get more rest next season

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Nabokov was in nets for a league-high 77 games last season, but Wilson said he thinks that number will be reduced.

"Our goal," the G.M. said, "is to have two guys rested by playoff time."

Read the entire article here.

Good plan by Wilson. Last season, Nabokov played in 77 games which was far too many. The mind-boggling aspect of his high total of games played was the amount of times he played on back-to-back nights and againt poor teams. This time around, the Sharks will be far better off resting their polished netminder for the post-season.

Sharks re-sign three

From the San Jose Mercury News:

The Sharks are expected to announce this afternoon that three players have been
re-signed: veteran forward Jeremy Roenick, back-up goalie Brian Boucher and
center Joe Pavelski. More on that later.

Read more on possible San Jose transactions this summer here.

These three players were expected to return to San Jose.

Roenick's contract is almost assuredly a one year contract. The veteran forward had a comeback season last year and provided good energy and offense for the team.

The 23 year old Pavelski really came into his own during his first full NHL season in 2007/08. Pavelski demonstrated good chemistry with Sharks center Patrick Marleau and totaled 19 goals and 40 points in 82 games. Pavelski's ability to quarterback the power play also adds to his value. His point totals should continue to rise.

As for Boucher, well, he better hope new coach Todd McLellan doesn't play his back-ups like Ron Wilson did. If so, he may play three games all season. However, I think the team will try and get Nabokov a little more rest this season and Boucher could see action in 10-12 games. In that role, Boucher should do just fine.

McLellan settling in

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

McLellan talked with certainty about some things - the need to establish a system that demands his players use speed up the middle to enter the offensive zone, then fire the puck at the net frequently once they get there.

He was less specific about others. Coaches, for example, generally choose team captains, and while McLellan said he knows of no reason not to keep Patrick Marleau in that role, "in fairness to everybody involved, I would like to have the opportunity to sit down with him and talk about leadership and the responsibilities that go with it."

Still, one overriding message being delivered was that McLellan was brought to San Jose to get the most out of the assembled talent - and not by coddling.

Coaches, he said, are smart enough to know that players "can't be at their elite level all the time."

But, he quickly added, "A coach has to create an environment where a player wants to expend an extra ounce of energy, he wants to give a little bit more to his teammates, he wants to push himself when he doesn't feel like he should be pushed anymore."

Read the entire article here.

McLellan is already looking comfortable in his new gig. The first-time NHL head coach continues to stress the importance of speed up the middle. With the depth and speed of the San Jose roster, McLellan may have just taken the perfect job.

Todd McLellan's style a favorite of Doug Wilson

From Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News:

To review: Early in Wilson's coaching search, my prediction was that he would hire a minor league coach with a fresh, aggressive personality. I based this on Wilson's public and private statements about the qualities he was seeking. My hunch pick was Kevin Dineen, coach of the Portland Pirates in Maine.

I soon regretted that call. This happened when I noticed a story about McLellan and the Colorado job opening (which eventually went to Tony Granato).

In that story, which appeared in the Denver Post and featured an interview with McLellan, he was asked about the style of hockey he preferred.

"I'd like to coach a high-tempo, fast, puck-possession-type team," McLellan said.

Read the entire article here.

Obviously coaches are never a guarantee, however, there is nothing about McLellan that makes me think he won't be successful. He has the experience at all levels, the eagerness, an offensive mind and, of course, the talent of the San Jose roster.

Sharks hire McLellan to replace Wilson

From Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press:

One of Mike Babcock's first orders of business, now that he has his extension out of the way, will be to find at least one new assistant coach.

Todd McLellan will be announced as the Sharks' new head coach tomorrow. McLellan was assistant to Babcock the past three years.

Read the short entry from the St. James here.

Good hire by the Sharks. McLellan has been working beside Mike Babcock for the past few seasons and also has experience as an AHL coach. In fact, he coached the Houston Aeros to the 2003 Calder Cup championship. He was also named the WHL Coach of the Year in 2000. That sure is a lot of experience.

It is about time McLellan gets a break as a head coach in the NHL and he sure lucked out with San Jose. This is a team loaded with talent and it is still relatively young at that. McLellan may be just the right man to take the Sharks over-the-top.

Tim Hunter interested in Sharks heading coaching vacancy

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Tim Hunter knows that Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson wants to keep his
coaching search as hush-hush as possible. So Hunter won't say if the two have
talked about the job. He won't even acknowledge if his name is one of 40 under
consideration.

But the longtime NHL enforcer who has spent the past decade
working as an assistant to Ron Wilson in Washington and San Jose will say this:

He is interested in the job and is capable of doing it.

Read the entire article here.

While I do not question Hunter's qualifications for the job, I do see the Sharks deciding to choose a coach from outside the organization. This is a team that is arguably already talented enough to win the Stanley Cup and to risk promoting an assistant coach to the head coaching position could be troublesome. I am not saying that this type of coaching move does not work, but it certainly is not always successful (See: Dave Lewis in Detroit, Jim Playfair in Calgary, as a couple of recent examples).

Will Brian Campbell's contract situation determine Patrick Marleau's fate?

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Nothing new on the Patrick Marleau front. Again, I don't think he's going anywhere until the Sharks sign defenseman Brian Campbell. Once that happens, I think Marleau's going to be traded, it's just a matter of where.

Here is the entry from Puck-Rakers.

I have to agree with Portzline on this one. Campbell and Joe Thornton are very, very good friends, so I see the slick-skating defenseman signing an extension with the Sharks. As a result, the Sharks will probably want to dump some salary, and Marleau is the perfect candidate for a trade.

The details of the Marleau rumor

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The rumor over the weekend was Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche or Stefan Legein and the No. 19 pick to San Jose for Patrick Marleau. I spent most of Saturday pursuing this and was told by a handful of close-to-the-situation sources that there's no truth to it, that the two clubs have not put together the framework of any specific trade as of yet. No names have been mentioned.

Here is the entire posting from Puck-Rakers.

Portzline gives you all you need to know about this possible transaction. This is a good-read.