Sharks GM Mike Grier announces they'll be parting ways with 3 players

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Hunter Bowman
April 20, 2024 (9:06 PM)

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The San Jose Sharks are grappling with the fallout from a particularly rough NHL season, finishing with the worst record in the league. Amid these troubles, the team is making some significant roster changes.

General Manager Mike Grier announced on Saturday that the team would not be renewing contracts for forwards Kevin Labanc, Alexander Barabanov, and Mike Hoffman, all of whom are set to become free agents.

Grier says he'll let Barabanov, Hoffman and Labanc walk as free agents

Kevin Labanc's exit is somewhat surprising, given that he has been with the Sharks since being drafted in 2014. Alexander Barabanov has also become a familiar face since joining from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2020-21 season. The decision not to move Barabanov at the trade deadline has been a point of contention, sparking further criticism of the team's management.

Mike Hoffman's departure, however, was somewhat anticipated. The 34-year-old joined the Sharks this season but didn't make the impact expected, struggling to hit his scoring stride.

With these changes, Grier faces the daunting task of rebuilding and rejuvenating the Sharks' lineup as they head into a critical offseason, aiming to turn around the team's prospects for future success.

Source: Puckreporter
San Jose Sharks officially part ways with three players