The list of potential restricted free agents for next summer continues to shrink.
Just a day after the Anaheim Ducks re-signed center Ryan Getzlaf to a long-term extension, the San Jose Sharks announced the re-signing of defenseman Matt Carle to a four-year, $13.75 million extension.
Carle is the second restricted free agent they’ve re-signed well in advance of July 2008, having this past summer re-upped forward Milan Michalek to a long-term extension.
The Sharks also re-signed forwards Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau this past off-season. Both were eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.
It’s obvious Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is taking no chances with his top players, preferring to lock them up as early as possible to extensions to avoid paying more either via the UFA market or offer sheets or risk losing those players to rival clubs.
Carle had a very strong rookie campaign in 2006-07, with 11 goals and 42 assists and a plus-minus rating of +9, and being named to the NHL’s All Rookie team. He’s also shown considerable poise under playoff conditions.
He’s not having a strong sophomore season, currently on pace for only 26 points thus far, but there’s no question that he has a promising future and should blossom into an experienced puck-moving blueliner, particularly on the powerplay.
I am happy to read this news, and I am not too worried about Carle right now. The Sharks have not played as well as they should, and with vets taking more of a role in the leadership (like Rivet's work while healing from an injury) I expect things to get even better in the second half of the season when everything will get more interesting.
And I don't think Marleau is going to Calgary, unless he and the family are heading out for vacation.
I would think that the next guy the Sharks re-sign will be Vlasic. They have always had a strong place for their defensemen and goalies, so I would expect them to secure his services. I am not sure how they feel about Erhoff though, although he is showing good stats this season. If Douglas Murray keeps up the good play, I expect he will be rewarded as well......
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
