The NHL free agency period kicked off at 9 AM PST today and many teams signed players that think improve their chances of winning a championship. There's no team that came closer to winning the Stanley Cup this season than the San Jose Sharks after their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final was spoiled by the Pittsburgh Penguins relentless speed.
Sharks Add Speed
The Sharks added one of the speediest free agents in Mikkel Boedker. Boedker spent most of last season with the bottom-dwelling Arizona Coyotes. At the trade deadline, he was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche to help jolt the Avalanche into the playoffs. They didn't end up making the playoffs, but Boedker posted 12 points in 18 games with the Avalanche. Boedker is known for his speed and playmaking ability, which is something the Sharks could have used in the SCF against the Penguins. He immediately makes the Sharks a faster team and a better team.
Boedker's deal was worth $16 million over four years ($4 million AAV). Most people see this as fairly low, which is a testament to how badly Boedker wants to win. He could have gone somewhere else and made nearly $6 million per year. Boedker also has some history with head coach Peter DeBoer. DeBoer coached Boedker back in 2007-08 when they were both with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Boedker would go on to be the eighth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft at the conclusion of his season in Kitchener.
What Does this Mean for the Sharks Lineup?
The Sharks now have more speed in their top six. This also will push Patrick Marleau to the third line, which would create matchup issues for the competition. An alternative scenario could see Tomas Hertl slotting in as the third line center and Boedker playing with Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. Pavelski and Thornton aren't the fastest players out there so they could benefit from a player with Boedker's speed. Hertl is by no means slow, but he's more known for his power game. Boedker is more known as a playmaker, but with Thornton on his line, he could develop a scoring punch to his game. After all, Thornton was able to make Jonathan Cheechoo the NHL goal-scoring leader at one point.
There are many different places that Boedker could fit in the Sharks lineup, but no matter what, he makes it a better and deeper Sharks' forward group.
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The Sharks also signed defenseman David Schlemko to a four-year contract with a $2.1 million AAV. He adds some depth to the Sharks' defense group, while also adding some much needed speed. He will most likely be Roman Polak's replacement after the Sharks let Polak walk to free agency.