Each player has signed a one-year deal with the Sharks, worth $700,000. Marleau has spent parts of 20 seasons with the Sharks, while Nieto was with the Sharks from the 2013-14 season until part way through the 2016-17 season.
Marleau is 41 years old and had 11 goals and 22 points in 66 games last year, a pace of 14 goals and 27 points per 82 games. He started the year with the Sharks, before being dealt to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline. He was one of the players I had listed as a potential free agent who San Jose could sign and will likely play on the team’s third line.
Nieto is 27 years old and has spent the last three and a half seasons with the Colorado Avalanche.
This past season, he scored eight goals and 21 points in 70 games, a pace of nine goals and 25 points per 82 and can typically be counted on for roughly 25-30 points per year.
These are two good signings for the Sharks. They added depth, addressing an issue for the lowest price possible and while these may seem like minor moves, the signings could go a long way for the Sharks this season.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Are you happy about the Sharks bringing back Patrick Marleau and Matt Nieto?