A little more than 24 hours before the very tardy season opener, the Sharks are reportedly in pursuit of veteran center Scott Gomez. I guess given the low-risk potential of such a move -San Jose's supposed offer is believed to be one year/$700,000- I'd be OK but rather indifferent with it if Gomez and the Sharks agree to the terms. Even at just 33 -the Sharks' most critical pieces are all around that age give or take- Gomez doesn't seem to have that much left at first glance. His days as a top six forward and a vital cog in three New Jersey Stanley Cup finals appearances (with two titles and one defeat) are long over, though as recently as 2010 he did score 14 points in 19 playoff games for Montreal.
That an injured/ineffective Gomez played in just 38 games for the Canadiens last season, and was paid $5.5 million to not play for "Les Habitants" in 2013 doesn't speak well for what value he can bring. Of course, compared to his Montreal buyout, $700,000 might as well a few pennies for Sharks' management to roll the dice. Why Gomez to San Jose could be worth the gamble to audition him on the third line is the Sharks don't look much better on their bottom two lines than last season. There was little production and few contributors to the team's dreadful penalty kill from the depth forwards. I wouldn't expect the Sharks to sign Gomez with the idea he can change the team's fortunes. But considering the projected third line of Michal Handzus centering Tommy Wingels and TJ Galiardi has some promise but also some concerns, carrying an insurance policy who if healthy certainly shouldn't lack motivation is intriguing.
Whatever the case, tomorrow's long anticipated season opener can't get here quick enough, with or without Mr. Gomez.
That an injured/ineffective Gomez played in just 38 games for the Canadiens last season, and was paid $5.5 million to not play for "Les Habitants" in 2013 doesn't speak well for what value he can bring. Of course, compared to his Montreal buyout, $700,000 might as well a few pennies for Sharks' management to roll the dice. Why Gomez to San Jose could be worth the gamble to audition him on the third line is the Sharks don't look much better on their bottom two lines than last season. There was little production and few contributors to the team's dreadful penalty kill from the depth forwards. I wouldn't expect the Sharks to sign Gomez with the idea he can change the team's fortunes. But considering the projected third line of Michal Handzus centering Tommy Wingels and TJ Galiardi has some promise but also some concerns, carrying an insurance policy who if healthy certainly shouldn't lack motivation is intriguing.
Whatever the case, tomorrow's long anticipated season opener can't get here quick enough, with or without Mr. Gomez.
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