*Photo from The Hockey Writers*
Rebuilding teams also need good players. Forward Tyler Toffoli and the San Jose Sharks have agreed to a 4 year, $24 million contract, according to ESPN's Kevin Weekes. San Jose has confirmed the signing.
Toffoli said of choosing the Sharks that "I think the opportunity was there for me, and obviously the rebuild they have started, and the draft that they just had, they drafted a couple of guys who are cornerstones for the organization. So, it's an exciting time. Obviously, I started my career in L.A. Knowing how passionate the fan base is definitely encouraged me to make my decision."
The addition of Toffoli is a big need for the Sharks, who get a strong goal scorer with the signing. Fabian Zetterlund was the only skater who exceeded 20 goals for the Sharks, netting 24. Toffoli's goals above replacement last season was 11.7, far ahead of the 8.8 that Justin Bailey had to lead the Sharks.
With the Sharks, Toffoli also gets some security after playing for 6 teams since the start of the 2019-2020 season. He'll make $6 million annually and will get a $1 million signing bonus all 4 years. He has a full no trade clause for the first 3 years and a modified no trade clause for the last year in the form of a 15 team trade list.
Last season, Toffoli suited up for the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets after a pair of trades. He combined for 33 goals and 22 assists for 55 points, posting a -6 rating while averaging 16:58 of ice time over 79 games. He added a pair of goals in 5 playoff games.
San Jose GM Mike Grier said of the Toffoli addition that "Tyler is a proven veteran scorer who provides a significant offensive boost to our forward group. He has a championship pedigree, winning a Stanley Cup in 2014 along with achieving two gold medals in the World Championship. His experience will be a valuable addition to our team."
A second round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2010, Toffoli has been well traveled across Canada in recent years, playing for 4 of the 6 Canadian Teams. He brings a veteran scoring mentality to the rebuilding Sharks, a big need for them. He won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014.
Toffoli has played for 6 different teams in the 12 seasons he's been in the league. He has 260 goals and 261 assists for 521 points, averaging 16:15 of ice time while posting a +87 rating over the course of 812 regular season games. He has an additional 20 goals and 26 assists with a -13 rating across 93 playoff games over 8 years.
The signing of Toffoli comes right after the NHL draft this year, where the Sharks had the number one draft pick. They used it on Boston University star Macklin Celebrini a year after selecting Will Smith out of Boston College with a lottery pick, who recently signed an entry level contract to go pro.
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