San Jose Sharks: On the Eve of Free Agency

If the San Jose Sharks don't want their 2009-2010 season to end in the disappointment that saw defenseman Douglas Murray console teammate Jeremy Roenick last year, then general manager Doug Wilson is going to have to get creative in free agency. Over the last couple days, Wilson has already started preparing for the beginning of free agency, which starts tonight at 9 PM local time when July 1 comes about on the East Coast. Wilson has made qualifying offers to four restricted free agents including Ryane Clowe, Torrey Mitchell, and Brad Staubitz, all of whom should see plenty of playing time with the Sharks next season (the fourth player was Minor League goaltender, Thomas Greiss). Of course, in order to keep the players given qualifying offers, Wilson will have to match any offers from other clubs. However, unless a team immensely overpays for the services of either one of the Sharks' restricted free agents, it would be highly unlikely that Wilson wouldn't match the offer. ... (link)