The San Jose Sharks are reportedly opting not to extend qualifying offers to Filip Zadina and Jack Studnicka. Sources from San Jose Hockey Now indicate that the deadline for qualifying offers is this Sunday, providing a definitive answer on the Shark’s decisions. If the Sharks proceed with not qualifying Zadina and Studnicka, the two players will become unrestricted free agents starting July 1st. San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier previously mentioned that Zadina had a chance of returning, but did not provide a guarantee. The Sharks have acquired Barclay Goodrow, Ty Dellandrea, Carl Grundstrom, and Egor Afanasyev as part of their line-up, suggesting a shift in playing style. This strategic move may be influenced by untested phenoms Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, as it appears that the Sharks are building their team around players who embody a specific playing style. The decision not to qualify Zadina and Studnicka, despite their potential, may be due to the limitations of playing time and the team’s focus on a specific style of play. Zadina, the sixth-overall pick for the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 Draft, signed a one-year, £1.1 million contract with the Sharks last summer, foregoing a guaranteed £4.56 million to test his skills in free agency. However, he struggled to find his scoring touch and maintain a consistent game throughout the season. Studnicka, a second-round pick for the Boston Bruins in 2017, was acquired by the Sharks through a mid-season trade. Despite his efforts to adapt to the team’s style of play, it seems unlikely that he will remain with the Sharks. While there are no definitive decisions yet, the Sharks are expected to extend qualifying offers to top prospects Henry Thrun and Thomas Bordeleau. Luke Kunin has also been mentioned as a potential player to return to the Sharks, though it remains to be seen. Grier confirmed that he will be qualifying Ty Emberson, but not Calen Addison. Furthermore, reports suggest that the Sharks will be qualifying RFA Brandon Coe, while new acquisitions Grundstrom, Afanasyev, and Dellandrea are also likely to receive qualifying offers as RFAs. The decisions made by the San Jose Sharks regarding the qualifying offers for their players will directly impact the composition of the team for the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await to see the final roster as the team gears up for the next phase.
Sharks to Let Go of Zadina and Studnicka
