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Coming off a disappointing second-round playoff elimination, the Sharks face some crucial offseason decisions. They have $60.4 million invested in 20 players for 2018-19. With the salary cap projected to reach $80 million, general manager Doug Wilson must decide how best to invest those additional cap dollars.
His biggest decisions will involve pending free-agent forwards Joe Thornton and Evander Kane.
Thornton, 38, is the long-time face of the Sharks' franchise. Kane, a trade-deadline acquisition, meshed well with his new club and could be a worthwhile re-signing, even if it means upgrading the draft pick they'll send the Sabres in return.
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After suffering torn ligaments in his left knee last season, Thornton put us a respectable 36 points in 47 games before tearing the same ligaments in his right knee. That injury ended his season, raising questions over his future in San Jose.
Thornton's completing a one-year, $8 million contract. He'd like to stay in San Jose, expressing his willingness to accept a one-year deal for less money.
Kane, meanwhile, tallied 14 points in 17 regular-season games with the Sharks. Despite being hampered by a separated shoulder and a sprained knee, the 26-year-old winger still collected five points in nine playoff contests.
Re-signing Kane will be expensive. He's in the final season of a six-year, $31.5 million deal contract and could seek over $6 million annually on a seven- or eight-year deal.
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Wilson has sufficient cap room to sign Thornton and Kane, along with restricted free agents Tomas Hertl, Chris Tierney and Dylan DeMelo. Things could get complicated, however, if he decides to invest his cap space in a bigger addition via free agency.
ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski noted there was speculation earlier this season linking the Sharks to Islanders center John Tavares. A superstar in his prime, the 27-year-old Tavares could command over $10 million annually on the open market come July 1.
The Sharks are among a few clubs that could prove enticing to Tavares. Not only can they afford him, but they also have the roster depth to remain a playoff contender for several years. If they sign him, it could mean parting ways with Thornton and perhaps Kane if his salary demands prove too costly.
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Bruins' biggest needs up for debate
A lack of secondary scoring contributed to the Bruins' second-round elimination by the Lightning. Following their 6-2 victory in Game 1, the Bruins managed only two even-strength goals over the remainder of the series.
Trade-deadline acquisition Rick Nash failed to pan out. He tallied six points in 12 regular-season games before being sidelined by a concussion. He returned in time for the playoffs but managed just five points in 12 postseason contests.
ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski recommended the Bruins pursue a different veteran power forward for their second line. NBC Sports' James O'Brien concurred, listing San Jose's Evander Kane, Toronto's James van Riemsdyk, Vegas's James Neal and New Jersey's Patrick Maroon among several options potentially available in this summer's free-agent market.
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The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa disagreed, considering the addition of a left-side defenseman to be the Bruins' top priority. He pointed out the second blueline pairing of Torey Krug and Kevan Miller struggled defensively against the Lightning, as well as during their opening-round series with Toronto.
While acknowledging Krug's value to the Bruins for his offensive skills, Shinzawa believes the Bruins would be better off with a better-skilled defensive rearguard. He suggested shopping Krug to address that need, perhaps by packaging the 27-year-old to the Oilers for a bigger d-man such as Oscar Klefbom or Darnell Nurse.
The Bruins have over $65.3 million invested in 17 players for 2018-19, with all their core players under contract. That gives general manager Don Sweeney sufficient room to take on additional salary to bolster their roster next season.
Trading Krug would be a bold move but Sweeney probably won't do something that drastic. He could instead look toward an affordable veteran addition via free agency, such as Dallas' Dan Hamhuis or Columbus' Ian Cole.
Sweeney previously showed a willingness to dip into the free-agent pool. In 2016, he signed veteran winger David Backes in 2016 to a five-year, $30 million contract. The Bruins were rebuilding back then and needed depth on the wings. With Backes now 34 and his production in decline, Sweeney could be reluctant to risk repeating that mistake this summer.
The Bruins now possess good young forwards such as Jake DeBrusk, Anders Bjork and Ryan Donato. Sweeney could give those youngsters more opportunities to develop next season. If he still wants to add a forward via free agency, he could pursue more affordable short-term options such as Thomas Vanek or Michael Grabner.