Lightning, Sharks Swap Minor League Players

In late news on Monday, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired goaltender Alexei Melnichuk from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Antoine Morand. 

Melinchuk was once viewed as a legitimate NHL goaltending prospect after signing with the Sharks as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Instead, Melnichuk struggled and mostly stayed in the AHL, posting a 17-21-6 record in two seasons with the San Jose Barracuda, posting a rough .867 save percentage. Melinchuk got into three NHL games with the Sharks last year, losing all of them.

Morand has spent his entire pro career in the AHL, recording 44 points in 138 games over three years. Morand is on the final year of his contract after becoming a second-round pick by Anaheim in 2017.