© Sergei Belski-Imagn ImagesNow that it’s official Alexandar Georgiev won’t be re-signing with the San Jose Sharks, the search begins for GM Mike Grier to find a suitable replacement in net.
This upcoming season is shaping up to be the one where Yaroslav Askarov finally gets his shot—either as part of a tandem or potentially as the team’s true No. 1 goaltender. Regardless of the role Askarov takes on, San Jose will need a backup who can hold the fort and give the team a chance to stay competitive.
There aren’t many standout options available in free agency this summer, which makes having a high-end prospect like Askarov that much more valuable. But the Sharks still need to round out their crease. Here are a couple of names Grier could target this offseason:
1. Alex Lyon
Depending on how Grier views the current stage of the rebuild, Alex Lyon could be a perfect fit. He’s shown he can step up in a tandem situation and help win games. If Grier prefers a shared workload in net, Lyon fits the mold of a 1B goaltender who knows his role and can deliver when called upon.
Lyon has bounced around the NHL throughout his eight-year career, with stints in Philadelphia, Carolina, Florida, and most recently, Detroit. Last season with the Red Wings, he played 30 games (26 starts), posting a 14-9-1 record with a .896 save percentage and 2.81 goals-against average. For a rebuilding team like San Jose, he could be an ideal stopgap to ease Askarov into a bigger role.
2. Ilya Samsonov
There are a few reasons Ilya Samsonov makes sense for the Sharks. First, he’s been a starting goaltender for most of his career and can handle a heavy workload if needed. Second, over the past few seasons, he’s also adjusted to playing in a tandem or backup role. Third, and perhaps most intriguingly, he’s Russian—something that could help Askarov’stransition to a full-time NHL role, having a fellow countryman beside him in the crease.
Samsonov began his NHL career as the starter in Washington before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. This past season, he played for the Vegas Golden Knights, primarily in a backup capacity. He appeared in 29 games (all starts), finishing with a 16-9-4 record, .891 SV%, and 2.82 GAA.
Both Lyon and Samsonov bring qualities that would complement Askarov well. Other names that could draw interest include Jake Allen, Anton Forsberg, and Dan Vladar, but Lyon and Samsonov stand out as logical fits. Grier’s decision will depend on how quickly he wants to accelerate the rebuild—but either way, goaltending depth will be key for the Sharks next season.
