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Wilson, Sharks put business before "family"

July 2, 2019, 12:56 AM ET [5 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The first day of free agency was not kind to the San Jose Sharks.

Gone are Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist. Here to stay are Timo Meier and Tim Heed.

Before free agency began we knew there was a possibility for the Sharks to lose some of their beloved talents due to NHL economics. Yet somehow it still feels a bit weird to think of the captain in another sweater besides the teal and black of San Jose. Or Donskoi taking his talents to the Rocky Mountains.

It's definitely strange, but the Sharks put themselves in this predicament. Too many bog contracts in such a short time capped off by that massive Erik Karlsson extension a few weeks ago.

Losing Donskoi and his 30 points a season is palatable, but nobody considered losing the captain. Pavelski was a fan favorite, role model, perennial 30-goal scorer and big-time leader on the team. The offense will be missed, but his presence will be missed more.

Pavelski agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with the Dallas Stars - a conference rival. Donskoi agreed to a $15.6 million, four-year deal with the Avalanche.

There is some good news from today.

Wilson locked up RFA Timo Meier to a team friendly four-year, $24 million deal. Meier scored a career-high 30 goals last season and is quickly rising up the ranks as an offensive force for the Sharks. We should anticipate a much larger role with the team considering all the subtractions.

Many are calling this a steal for the Wilson and the Sharks and it is. Unfortunately, there are only so many team-friendly deals before the player decides he wants to be put first.

I can't blame a player like Pavs for exercising his right to get the best deal. He's earned it. He gave his heart, soul, and blood for the Sharks and sadly they couldn't find a way to make it work financially. The contracts for outsiders like Karlsson and Evander Kane tightened San Jose's purse strings so much so they couldn't take care of someone in-house. Kinda sad.

Doug Wilson said Pavelski will always be part of the Sharks "family," but clearly today was more about protecting the business than keeping the family together.

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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