The Sharks Most Interesting Contract Decisions

The San Jose Sharks have several free agents this offseason, none of whom are expected to break the bank. Evolving Hockey has released its upcoming contract projections for the 2024-25 season, and a few of the projected Sharks contracts are going to be interesting decisions for General Manager Mike Grier.

Calen Addison (With Sharks)
Games: 60
Goals: 1
Assists: 11
Average TOI: 17:21

Seeing Addison with this type of contract projection was a bit surprising. After being acquired from the Minnesota Wild for a 2026 5th-round pick and Adam Raska, Addison was given opportunities this season to establish himself on a team looking for any answer as an offensive defenseman after the Erik Karlsson trade.

Addison played the most power play minutes among the defensemen this year for a Sharks unit that finished 21st in the NHL, but Mikael Granlund was the catalyst for the unit.

With the addition of Jack Thompson at the trade deadline and Shakir Mukhamadullin's progression in the AHL, where does Addison fit into the immediate Sharks' future? If Mike Grier feels that Mukhamadullin is ready to take over Addison's role, don't be surprised if the Sharks do not qualify Calen Addison.

Filip Zadina
Games: 72
Goals: 13
Assists: 10
Average TOI: 13:20

Filip Zadina's contract is going to be interesting. After accepting a termination from the Detroit Red Wings, he took a discount with the Sharks and signed a one-year deal at $1.1 million. He went on to set a career-high in goals with 13 and remained relatively healthy this season.

Zadina bounced around the lineup throughout the season, but after Klim Kostin arrived from Detroit, Zadina saw his ice time steadily decrease. Kostin, who is under contract for one more season at $2 million, took Zadina's role on the top six and established himself as an exciting piece for the 2024-25 season.

Where does Filip Zadina fit into the puzzle? He was producing for the Sharks this season despite the limited ice time. Still, Grier could have more exciting options, with Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini potentially entering the fray as legitimate top-six options for the Sharks. Zadina also didn't establish himself on special teams this year as he only ranked 21 minutes of penalty kill time (9th most among Sharks forwards) and 74 minutes of power play time (9th most among Sharks forwards). Thomas Bordeleau played almost 78 minutes in 27 games.

Grier could just run it back again with a $1.1 million qualifying offer for Zadina, who could be a placeholder while some of the Sharks' top prospects continue their development.

For more on the project contracts for the San Jose Sharks: