Mike Grier Exit Interview Highlights

During his media availability, Mike Grier was very candid about his plans for the San Jose Sharks' future.

Grier on the future of Erik Karlsson in teal:

"Yeah, I mean, I think it'll definitely be a balance. It's not all about cap space. Sure, it'd be great for us to gain cap space, but you're also looking at a 100-point right-shot D who was pretty dominating and still young. We're not looking just to give him away just to get cap space. It'll definitely be a balance. I think we have an idea of what we think he's worth and what we should get in return. We'll just kind of leave it at that. Like any deal, it's kind of give and take on both sides, and the balance of yes, getting some cap relief, but also getting what we feel is a good return for him."

Grier if he thinks interest in EK65 will grow once the final cap number is known:

"I would say so. It's much easier for teams to figure out how much money they can take in and maneuver the salary cap and move players out or not re-sign players or whatever it may be. If it were to happen, there's a lot of moving pieces to a deal like that. I think it's something that's definitely easier in the offseason, where teams can kind of get themselves prepared and make the moves they need to make to take on a player like Erik. I would imagine there'll be more interest in him, but we'll have to wait and see."

Thoughts on the Sharks' core:

"I mean, those guys are good NHL players. They're good people. They are good leaders. I'm happy with them and the job they've done, but I'll always try and do what I think is best for the organization. I don't have any complaints with the way those guys played and the leadership they displayed this year, and the way they handled themselves and handled the group. I think they did a good job."

Grier on the team goaltending:

"In talking to both of them, it wasn't great, and I think they both were kind of disappointed with their play this year. At the same time, there's a lot of other things that go into it. People tend to just look at the numbers that weren't great and put a lot of the blame on just the goalies, but there's a lot of other factors that go into it. The mistakes and breakdowns we had and things like that. They were seeing a lot of high-danger chances every night. It's not just all on them. As a group, we got to be a better defensive unit."

As for Kaapo Kahkonen:

"I think, as far as Kaapo goes, I think his season was really up and down. I don't think he ever really found his footing. He was struggling with some of the things that Speersy and Nabby were asking him to change and do differently. Once the results weren't what he wanted, I think he kind of relented and was open to changing a little bit more. He had a really good stretch of hockey in February, where he was really solid. You can see the traits that he has. The size. The athleticism. There's some good tools and traits there for him, and I think he's still open to changing more.  When talking with him yesterday, he's really willing and open to committing. He's gonna probably put in more work than he's ever done in any prior off-season to try and change his game and be ready for the season. I think he's going to be here early. He's going to go see a different goaltending coach. He's really trying to do everything necessary to make himself a more consistent and better goalie. From my standpoint, that was something that was really good to hear."

And James Reimer:

"With Reims, I'm sure he probably told you guys he was probably disappointed with the season overall. I thought he was excellent to start the year. He had a little back issue, and then from there, it was ups and downs. We'll see what happens with him in the off-season, if we bring him back or not."

Did Reimer's Pride Night decision going to affect Grier's decision:

"No, they're two completely separate things. This is just a hockey decision that we think we need to make. I have nothing but respect for James in the way he handled the Pride Night thing. We live in America. He has his views, and it does take some courage to kind of stand up and say what you believe in and stand by your religious beliefs. It wasn't anything that was malcontent or coming from a bad place in his heart. I think he's a good person. It kind of is what it is, as far as that goes. If we don't bring him back, it has nothing to do with that."

Plan for the future: 

"If I'm being honest, I would say we probably won't bring back the same goalie tandem as we had this year."

Grier on the future of Kevin Labanc: 

"He didn't express any interest in leaving. We'll see how things play out in the off-season. He didn't have the greatest of years. I think he knows he can be better and play better and be more consistent. I think he lost his confidence along the way this year. I can't say whether he'll be here or not be here. We'll see what happens in the summer and what presents itself. As I've said, I'll always look to improve the roster or do things that I think are right for the organization. I don't know if he'll be here or not, but as of right now, the plan is that he'll be back."