San Jose Sharks sign Devin Setoguchi
The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have signed forward Devin Setoguchi to a one-year deal worth $1.8 million. Setoguchi was a restricted free agent (RFA), and the signing cancels an upcoming arbitration hearing.
Devin Setoguchi
Setoguchi began his professional hockey career with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He spent three years with the Blades, having his best year in his final season with the club, posting 36 goals and 47 assists for 83 points in just 65 games, to finish seventh in league scoring.
The following season, Setoguchi was moved to the Price George Cougars also of the WHL. Here he spent one season, managing 65 points in 55 games.
His strong play in junior helped Setoguchi get drafted eighth overall by the Sharks in the 2005 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft.
Setoguchi split his first season with the Sharks, between San Jose and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Worchester Sharks.
After one year, he joined the Sharks full-time in 2008-09, scoring 31 goals and tallying 65 points in 81 games.
Last season with San Jose, Setoguchi notched 20 goals and 16 assists for 36 points in 70 games.
Sharks Perspective
For the Sharks, this is a very reasonable contract for a player that logs a great deal of ice time, and is considered an important part of their future.
Setoguchi had a tremendous first full season in the NHL, playing with set-up man Joe Thornton, and skating on the Sharks first line. His second season was a little bit more difficult as the 23-year-old suffered an injury, and could not seem to find his game on the second line.
Next season, Setoguchi will be back on the Sharks second unit, playing second line right wing, and enjoying time on the team’s second power play unit. It is expected that the Sharks second line will come back next season as a more dynamic unit.
The continued improvement of Setoguchi, centre Joe Pavelski, and left winger Ryane Clowe is undeniable. Both Pavelski and Setoguchi missed some time last season, and if they can say healthy in 2010-11, expect the Sharks to have one of the most dangerous second lines in the NHL.
General Manager Doug Wilson explained why the Sharks were so excited to get Setoguchi back, saying. “We’re happy to have Devin under contract for next season, he is an important part of our team and we are looking forward to his on-going growth as a player. We have very high expectations for him.”
Wilson also gets a better crack at Setoguchi next season, as he is still a restricted free agent at the end of the year. Wilson should have the Alberta native on his roster for at least another two years.
Setoguchi’s Perspective
In San Jos,e Setoguchi gets to play with some of the most dynamic forwards in the entire league, and learn from a group of very skilled veterans.
Setoguchi gets to play on a stellar second line, something that should benefit his stats and help his career moving forward. In addition, playing behind all-stars Thornton, Dany Heatley, and Patrick Marleau can only help him understand the offensive aspects of the game even more.
Furthermore, Setoguchi is afforded a great deal of playing time and responsibility with the Sharks. He was averaging over 15 minutes of ice time last season, and should see that go up starting in October. At only 23, he should be thankful for the amount of NHL playing time he is receiving.
Finally, Setoguchi gets to play on a perennial powerhouse in San Jose. The team challenges for the presidents trophy every year, and always has a great chance in the playoffs.
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