Scratch one item from the San Jose Sharks' offseason to-do list: Team and city officials announced an agreement on Friday to keep the NHL franchise playing in the Shark Tank.
The team's home since September 1993, the venue is officially SAP Center. The new accord runs through at least 2025 and can be extended 15 years.
MORE: Sharks' offseason needs | NHL coaching changes
In the meantime, San Jose and the Sharks can dicker over a future home. That issue has been floated, so a 10-year extension allows city and team time to consider options.
Now owner Hasso Plattner and GM Doug Wilson can turn to pressing offseason issues. First, the Sharks must replace coach Todd McLellan. Second, there are personnel questions crying for answers, including the fate of centers Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
The Sharks failed to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it appeared Wilson's job was in jeopardy. But Plattner has OK'd Wilson's overhaul plans.
The Shark Tank is among the more difficult venues for opposing players, notorious for its noise levels. With a roster in flux, the Sharks could use their home-ice advantage. Despite their success under McLellan and over the years, the Sharks have never reached the Stanley Cup finals.