Sharks want to stay together for another run

[Forkboy]

If contracts weren't involved and the salary cap wasn't an issue, the San Jose Sharks would just as soon stay together for another go-around.

Despite another disappointing playoff result following a terrific regular season, the Sharks say the talent to win a Stanley Cup already is on the roster. The players said that advancing to the Western Conference Finals one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy and bowing out to Anaheim in the quarterfinals proves it.

"I believe in this group," said Sharks star winger Dany Heatley, who didn't score in a four-game sweep by Chicago in the conference finals and dealt with a lingering groin injury. "We've gone through a lot, especially this season. We battled through a lot of things and we'd like to see the group come back."

The problem is that contracts are involved and the salary cap is an issue.

San Jose will have seven unrestricted free agents this off-season, including goalie Evgeni Nabokov, defensemen Rob Blake and Niclas Wallin, plus forwards Jed Ortmeyer, Scott Nichol, Manny Malhotra and Patrick Marleau, who scored 5 of the Sharks' 7 goals in the Chicago series.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529999

[KamaAina]

1. They could save some heavy-duty salary

by replacing Nabokov with an actual slice of Swiss cheese from Safeway. Or even Whole Foods. :eyes:

[Upton]

2. Yeah..Nabby's gone

can't say I'm sorry to see him go either. He has this annoying habit of being outplayed by his opponent and letting in softies during the playoffs.

I'd like to see Marleau stay. I think the Sharks want him to, but they might not be able to pay what he's worth on the open market.

The sweep was a let down, but no matter what anybody says it was a good season for the Sharks. Their accomplishment of reaching the WCF has only been done once before in their history. They deserve another chance.

Hope they keep most of the team together and bring back GM Doug Wilson. Sharks will do some tweaking, bolster the defense, and be ready for another run..