The San Jose Sharks will need to fill out their roster via the draft and free agents and Tomas Tatar should be an option to consider.
The San Jose Sharks will need to find some quality players to fill out their 2023-24 roster, and Tomas Tatar could be an option.
The 32-year-old Slovakian winger can provide some veteran leadership and much-needed skill to the forward core. He won't be the most productive, but the offensive skill set is there.
Last season for the New Jersey Devils, Tatar had 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists). Tatar has shown to be an even bigger force offensively back in the COVID-19 shorted season of 2019-20.
In 68 games for the Montreal Canadiens, Tatar scored 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists).
Tatar's cap hit of $4.5 million AAV is bound to come down next season. I expect he will most likely sign a short-term deal somewhere with an AAV of around $2.5-3 million.
The question of why he would sign with the San Jose Sharks can be easily answered.
I think he would sign in San Jose because he should be put in the top six forwards and get significant powerplay time due to how the roster is currently constructed. From the Sharks' end, it makes sense because if Tatar can boost his trade value with a successful season, eventually trading him at the deadline would help bolster the future of Team Teal.
By no means do I think it is a perfect match, but Tatar could be that middle-six forward skill and veteran presence that can help continue the rebuild process.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atXxUdqayS8[/embed]
This may be from 2018, but this move perfectly displays the skill Tomas Tatar could bring to the San Jose Sharks.
Tatar has never won a Stanley Cup and will most likely want to go to a contender, whether by free agency or in-season trade. I think the best way for him to get back to a contender and still have a significant role is to sign with San Jose and play an important role.