Ben Shelley: Should the Sharks buy out Martin Jones’ contract?

No

No don’t buy him out. The bigger picture is the Sharks are underachieving. Boughner looks like DeBoer 2.0 and it’s not working. Their systems aren’t working. They need a fresh start with a new coach and GM. Easier said than done. Who would want to walk into this mess?

Minnyhock, you are on the right track...those are the larger issues that need to be addressed and corrected. The system needs to be discarded and replaced.upgraded.

At the very least, I'd wait a year when a buyout becomes cheaper and more manageable. They aren't going to win the Cup next year so bite the bullet, develop your prospects and wait to fight another day.

Yes! And buy out Doug Wilson as well.

If Jones is bought out he will likely look pretty good on a better team. Let's face it the Sharks are not a very good team. Anyone know what the future is for A. Melnichuk? He has great size and looks like he could be the real deal down the road. I believe he has one year left to become an rfa. Is he in the plans or is he KHL bound??

If Jones is bought out he will likely look pretty good on a better team. Let's face it the Sharks are not a very good team. Anyone know what the future is for A. Melnichuk? He has great size and looks like he could be the real deal down the road. I believe he has one year left to become an rfa. Is he in the plans or is he KHL bound??
- joegreif17

lol @ this opinion

If Jones is bought out he will likely look pretty good on a better team. Let's face it the Sharks are not a very good team. Anyone know what the future is for A. Melnichuk? He has great size and looks like he could be the real deal down the road. I believe he has one year left to become an rfa. Is he in the plans or is he KHL bound??
- joegreif17

It’s very questionable whether Jones could thrive with a better team at age 31. Dubnyk had some rough times in Edmonton and Nashville but flourished with the Wild with a top 4D in front of him but he was only 28.

The Sharks have high hopes for Melnichuk and they seem to be wisely not rushing him along. If Melnichuk realizes his potential, hopefully he won’t have to be rushed along so that they can retool their defense before he gets thrown in.

Jones has consistently been among the worst starting goalies in the league for three years now. At his age, no clue why anyone thinks he would somehow magically improve outside of San Jose. Singlehandedly sabotaged his team in 2019 when they were actually a good team in front of him. His contract is awful even on a team filled with bad contracts.

Pens offer Jarry, Pettersson for Kane. Good or what do you guys need?

Jones has consistently been among the worst starting goalies in the league for three years now. At his age, no clue why anyone thinks he would somehow magically improve outside of San Jose. Singlehandedly sabotaged his team in 2019 when they were actually a good team in front of him. His contract is awful even on a team filled with bad contracts.
- jfkst1

I hear you but your not considering the team in front of you. Look at Carter Hart in Philly when your Gostisbehere was arguably the best dman last year despite being waved. I do think Jones will be bought out and I also believe he will get a chance somewhere else. Look at Cam Talbot is you want another comparison. The guy was toast in Calgary and Edmonton and now he is lights out in Minnesota at 33. Just saying but who knows

There are multiple issues at play here. One is that Jones has been a Jekyll and Hyde in net for the past 4 years. He stole Game 6 in the epic 1st Round against Vegas, which led to the greatest Game 7 you'll ever see, if not the Greatest game you'll ever see. But then he turns around and misses the first shot of the game 5 games in a row. I've heard more than one Goalie Coach/Guru describe him as being barely passable as an NHL goalie. He hasn't adapted his game.
Then there is the team defensive scheme which has see numerous high danger chances, odd man rushes and breakaways emerge that Jones has had to face. On several of them he has made some remarkable saves.
Then you have personnel. Burns is often out of position and leaves his man free to score unmolested in front of the net. My belief is that he should be moved back to forward because that where his muscle memory of how to play is. If you watch him enough it takes him several moments to realize where he should be on the ice and by then it's too late. EK65 isn't the best defensive man but at least he hustles all out to get back and try to make up for his mistakes. Others are still learning..Ferraro, Khnyzhov and Simek will improve.
There are several issues that impact team chemistry as well that have an impact. I think Jones will benefit from a change in scenery. He may not be a #1 but he may be an adequate backup to someone like Vasilevsky