Edmonton Oilers: Predictions for the Pacific Division
By Kris Hansen
4th. San Jose Sharks
Additions: Martin, Ward, Jones
Subtractions: Burish, Fedun, Hannan, Irwin, Niemi, Scott.
Honestly, not a bad off-season from San Jose. I like Joel Ward: he adds a special something in the playoffs and Paul Martin should be a good fit on the defense behind Vlasic and Burns. However: both of those players are 34 years old. Marleau and Thornton are 36. There’s a lot of age for the Sharks and I feel like their window has closed. These moves signal that they are still trying to be competive, which they should be, but not quite enough for a playoff spot Or if they do make the playoffs, nothing past the first round.
Still they have some pieces that are worth liking like Couture, Hertl and Pavelski (who is 31). Mueller is only 20 and Tierney is 21. Martin Jones is a wildcard: getting a chance to be a number one goaltender.
San Jose is a weird one to predict. I think they are still stagnate and miss the playoffs again, despite the new additions. I also think Thornton gets unfairly criticized in San Jose.
Next: 3rd. Calgary Flames