SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks opened free agency Saturday by signing long-term contracts that will keep two key players off the open market next summer.
The Sharks signed shutdown
"They were really important," general manager Doug Wilson said. "These are guys who fit for now and the future. They are core pieces for our team at key positons."
The Sharks did not reach deals with longtime stalwarts Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau before they hit the open market officially. San Jose has offers out to both players but Wilson wouldn't comment about where negotiations stand.
Marleau has been with San Jose since being picked second overall in 1997 and has 508 goals in his career. Thornton was the top pick by Boston that same year and came to San Jose in November 2005. He ranks in the top 25 all-time in assists (1,007, 13th place) and points (1,391, 22nd place).
The team has made three conference finals with the duo and went to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to Pittsburgh in 2016.
"I'd love them to be back," Vlasic said. "If they're not, I totally understand the game. We'll try to find other guys in the league or in our system to fill the roles as much as they can."
If Thornton or Marleau leave, the Sharks will have to replace their scoring. The
The Sharks also have key forwards Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture under contract for two more seasons and several young players they hope will develop in the next few years.
"That's a good starting point," Vlasic said. "We've been competitive every year since I've been on this team. I don't see us dropping off in the near future and I see us being very competitive many years down the road."
The 30-year-old Vlasic was a second-round pick by San Jose in 2005 and became a constant presence on the blue line the following year. If he finishes this contract with San Jose he will spend 20 seasons with the Sharks.
Vlasic has played 812 games over 11 seasons and is usually tasked with shutting down the opponent's top scorers. He had six goals and 22 assists last season, while blocking 146 shots and playing more than two minutes a game short-handed.
"Marc-Edouard is one of the most respected players in the league, certainly one of the best
The 27-year-old Jones has been a rock in goal since being acquired in a trade with Boston two years ago that included a first-round draft pick for a player who had never been a consistent starter in the NHL.
Jones backed up San Jose's belief in him and helped the team reach the Cup Final in 2016 and the playoffs this past season.
"Ultimately he plays big when it matters," Wilson said. "That's always been his history. Obviously we don't get to the Stanley Cup Final two years ago without him. The ultimate compliment for a goalie is that a team loves playing in front of him and trusts him. He has that."
Jones leads the NHL with 130 games started the past two seasons and is tied for second with 72 wins. He has allowed 2.33 goals per game with the Sharks.
"All I have to worry about is focusing on playing hockey right now," he said. "It's important. I didn't have a lot of doubts it wouldn't get done anyway. But it's nice to get it out of the way and just focus on hockey."
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Josh Dubow, The Associated Press