The Sharks have opted to buy out the final year of longtime defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s contract.
The 38-year old defenseman has played 19 seasons in teal up to this point, making him the longest-tenured Shark until today, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He may certainly be past his prime now, but Vlasic was a great, underrated shutdown defenseman at his peak. This past season, now officially his last with the only NHL franchise he has ever known, Vlasic had one goal and two assists for three points in 27 games, and was a healthy scratch at times throughout the season. He most notably became the NHL's all-time leader in blocked shots last season with 2,184 total. Over the course of his 19 seasons in teal, Marc-Edouard Vlasic has amassed 84 goals, 295 assists, and 379 points in 1,323 games played, along with six goals, 33 assists, and 39 points in 142 Stanley Cup Playoff games. His 1,323 games played are first among defensemen in Sharks franchise history and rank only second behind Patrick Marleau, while his career goal, assist, and point totals among defensemen rank second behind Brent Burns in Sharks history.
In other Sharks news, San Jose is expected to not issue pending restricted free agent forward Klim Kostin a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. As a result, Kostin is expected to return to his home country of Russia and sign with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. I am not all that shocked by this, as Kostin did not have much of a significant role with the Sharks during his season and a half with them, and I did not see that changing with him going forward.
I initially thought that Marc-Edouard Vlasic would play the final year of his contract at a cap hit of $7 million to help the Sharks reach the salary cap floor and mentor the younger players. However, I find this somewhat shocking move to be a necessary one. The Sharks' main intention with this contract buyout was to clear a roster spot to make much-needed improvements ahead of next season, and it is a step in the right direction. I am kind of sad that Pickles' time with the Sharks has come to an end, since he was one of the last remaining players from when the Sharks were a perennial playoff contender several years ago, but the Sharks' main objective of progressing their rebuild and escaping the basement of the NHL next season remains more important. Despite Vlasic being a shell of his former self for the past few seasons, he should be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Sharks sweater and an integral piece in the Sharks' lengthy playoff contending window from the late 2000s through the 2010s. I will cherish his tenure with the Sharks for as long as possible and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
Sources: NHL App, ESPN, Curtis Pashelka via X
Discover your next favorite outfit at the CPF Store! With our wide selection of stylish and comfortable clothing, you can express your unique style while feeling amazing. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe with the latest trends and timeless classics. Don't miss out - embrace fashion that speaks to you at the CPF Store by clicking the link here: CPF Store
No comments:
Post a Comment