This is one year where the term "Free Agent Frenzy" ultimately didn't really apply. There were some big signings, but for the most part teams were disciplined when it came to negotiating with UFAs. There was certainly the potential for some really bad deals too as the thin market could have led to teams grossly overvaluing what was out there.
In fact, most teams' biggest crime was being relatively inactive, although whether or not that was a bad thing largely depended on the circumstances as we will discuss below while grading the Metropolitan and Pacific division teams.
Just keep in mind that this article doesn't take into account the trades made at and around the draft. The reason for that is simple: We've already done that. If you want to read about those trades (as well as our evaluation of the draft as a whole) please click on the links for Part I and Part II. Also check back on Tuesday for Part II of this article.
SAN JOSE SHARKS
Major Additions: Joel Ward, Martin Jones
Major Subtractions: None
Grade: B-
In an attempt to remain consistent when listing each team's major additions/subtractions, I excluded Antti Niemi as his rights were traded away during the draft. I also made the conscious decision to list Jones as a major addition for the Sharks, but not a major subtraction for the Kings because his role in San Jose may ultimately be far bigger than the one he left in Los Angeles.
In Jones, the Sharks are getting a goaltender that's a decent bet to beat Alex Stalock in the battle for the starting gig this season. Jones has only played in 34 NHL games, but the 25-year-old has been great when called into service in Los Angeles with a 1.99 GAA and .923 save percentage in 34 contests.
Inking him to a three-year, $9 million deal was still a bit of a risk given that Jones has a lot to prove, but it's at least a calculated risk and one that might pay off handsomely.
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