Post by Sharky on Jan 28, 2007 3:12:09 GMT -5
With the season set to begin early next week San Jose fans are getting excited. The Sharks have made a huge roster over-haul since last years disappointing 6th place finish and tough first round game 7 loss to the Detriot Red Wings.
The only remaining forwards on the team from last season are Stillman, Thornton, Kariya, Selanne, Sillinger and Aubin and the only remaining defenseman is Zdeno Chara.
Even long time coach Darryl Sutter has decided to step away from the bench to pursue scouting and assistant GM duties. Replacing him will be former Shark captain Steve Yzerman. Yzerman captained the San Jose Sharks to the Stanley Cup finals in 2005, which was the last season he played. He holds San Jose's record for most game winning goals in a season (8) and also scored the 2nd most goals of any Shark in a season (37, Pascal Dupuis holds record at 41).
Yzerman added his comments at a press conference earlier today.
"That was one of the greatest seasons of my career. The San Jose organization made my last season one to remember. I hope I can continue that success this season- but this time end it with a Cup. We will be focusing more on offense this season, but will still retain our strong defensive play of previous seasons".
Yzerman is not the only former Shark to rejoin the team. Hard hitting Kyle McLaren will also put on the uniform after one season with the Capitals.
The changes were not completely due to last years disapointment. Several players that did not make an impact last season have forced their way into a prominant role on the team. After incredible training camps, younsters Eric Staal and Dion Phaneuf have forced their way into top roles.
GM Jake Graas has focused in on a couple of young players in particular.
"Dion and Eric have forced us to make some room on the roster for them. Both have been fantastic, they are playing like stars and will see alot of ice time when the season starts."
"This is the best team we've had in franchise history. After last season Shark fans need something to be proud of. I hope we can deliver."
At the same press conference team captains were also announced. San Jose's all time highest scorer Joe Thornton will dawn the C for the first time in his JGHL career. Star defenseman Zdeno Chara will be an alternate and long time Shark Mike Sillinger will be the other.
The GM also commented on the signing of rookie free agent Shea Weber to a 6.5 million dollar contract.
"I've seen Weber play alot and I know what he can do. He will be a star defensemen in this league and soon that contract will not look bad. Him and Phaneuf will make our defense one of the best in the league for a very long time."
The only remaining forwards on the team from last season are Stillman, Thornton, Kariya, Selanne, Sillinger and Aubin and the only remaining defenseman is Zdeno Chara.
Even long time coach Darryl Sutter has decided to step away from the bench to pursue scouting and assistant GM duties. Replacing him will be former Shark captain Steve Yzerman. Yzerman captained the San Jose Sharks to the Stanley Cup finals in 2005, which was the last season he played. He holds San Jose's record for most game winning goals in a season (8) and also scored the 2nd most goals of any Shark in a season (37, Pascal Dupuis holds record at 41).
Yzerman added his comments at a press conference earlier today.
"That was one of the greatest seasons of my career. The San Jose organization made my last season one to remember. I hope I can continue that success this season- but this time end it with a Cup. We will be focusing more on offense this season, but will still retain our strong defensive play of previous seasons".
Yzerman is not the only former Shark to rejoin the team. Hard hitting Kyle McLaren will also put on the uniform after one season with the Capitals.
The changes were not completely due to last years disapointment. Several players that did not make an impact last season have forced their way into a prominant role on the team. After incredible training camps, younsters Eric Staal and Dion Phaneuf have forced their way into top roles.
GM Jake Graas has focused in on a couple of young players in particular.
"Dion and Eric have forced us to make some room on the roster for them. Both have been fantastic, they are playing like stars and will see alot of ice time when the season starts."
"This is the best team we've had in franchise history. After last season Shark fans need something to be proud of. I hope we can deliver."
At the same press conference team captains were also announced. San Jose's all time highest scorer Joe Thornton will dawn the C for the first time in his JGHL career. Star defenseman Zdeno Chara will be an alternate and long time Shark Mike Sillinger will be the other.
The GM also commented on the signing of rookie free agent Shea Weber to a 6.5 million dollar contract.
"I've seen Weber play alot and I know what he can do. He will be a star defensemen in this league and soon that contract will not look bad. Him and Phaneuf will make our defense one of the best in the league for a very long time."