San Jose Sharks declines deal-extensions of veterans Scott Nichol, Jamal Mayers, Niclas Wallin – NHL Update
In an unusual move, San Jose Sharks announced that it will not be re-signing its veteran players, Scott Nichol, Jamal Mayers and Niclas Wallin, to new contracts and will let all three of them become unrestricted free agents on the first of July when the
free agency kicks off.
The announcement was made by San Jose Sharks’ general manager, Doug Wilson, on Monday in San Jose, California, USA.
Nichol was certainly disappointed about the decision made by Doug Wilson, but was relieved that he had been informed prior so that he has the time to make proper arrangements.
"I've got nothing to hang my head about. I gave it all I had", said 36-year-old Nichol while speaking outside his house in Rochester, New York. "Sometimes it's not enough, and it's time to move on".
The Canadian veteran from Edmonton, Alberta, was drafted in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft as the 272nd pick in the 11th round by Buffalo Sabres. He remained with Sharks for two seasons, playing a total of 135 games and posting 26 points
overall.
Jamal Mayers was in his first season with Sharks after being traded by Calgary Flames. He played in 78 games in which he registered 14 points, including three goals and 11 assists.
Wilson termed his decision as a move to bring in younger talent to the team. San Jose had been making the Western Conference Finals for the last two years in the postseason but has never gotten past that in the franchise’s history and he is taking steps
to pass this point in the playoffs.
"Very professional in the way he carried himself", Wilson said of Mayers and his intention to rejuvenate the team overall. "I think we've got some young players internally who are ready for that role and if they are, great. If not, then we will look for
other players in that market".
Defenseman, Niclas Wallin, will most likely return to the Swedish Hockey League because of the decision to make time for another entry into the NHL.
San Jose Sharks still has a number of players who will become free agents soon, but has not yet said anything about negotiating or letting them go.
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