SB Nation User Blog: That'll Cheech You

If only we could build the team around Joe Roarton! Yeah, I'm bored. But this is as good an...

That'll Cheech You — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:46:35 -0000

If only we could build the team around Joe Roarton!

Yeah, I'm bored. But this is as good an opportunity as any to have a photoshop contest. Must include an animal, a Sharks player, and a pun.

Have at it.

Conclusions from a 4th of July Weekend

That'll Cheech You — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:49:33 -0000

There are two sides to blogging.

On the one hand, there's the money, the endless supply of women, the recreational drug use, binge drinking, all night parties, stardom and the devoted readership of millions. Love it.

On the other hand, however, is something many bloggers don't realize until they are knee deep in rosterbation and salary cap figures only a few days after the season has ended. Blogging takes some fun out of being a fan.

Before I covered the Sharks, did I lose sleep over the team's salary cap issues? Did I curse Doug Wilson for not being more proactive? Did I research hundreds of prospects in the draft so that I could criticize the Sharks' scouts?Well, no.

I'm not going to lie, I've been in a pretty crappy mood lately. I've been pissed at the Sharks' complacency, worried about the cap, and flat out astonished by the lack of, well, anything so far this offseason. Then the Huskins signing happened, and I kinda went off the deep end.

So I disconnected. On Friday morning at 3:30 AM, I packed up the car and headed due north to my favorite place on the planet: Lake Tahoe. After a few days on the water with family and friends, I felt refreshed. I was a calmer man.

That was, however, before I was stuck in traffic for nine hours coming back. Traffic is my least favorite thing in the entire world. Terrible.

Let's just say that I had plenty of time to think things over. I did talk to Plank on Saturday, so I already had some new ideas floating around in my head. I came to four conclusions, all of which I will share with you... now.

Doug Wilson is playing the waiting game: When Wilson came out and told fans that there would be changes, everyone expected them right away... myself included. Not including McGinn, there are only eight forwards on the current roster. Although we knew that Clowe would probably sign, many of us thought that the four remaining forward spots would be filled with top-tier free agents. That's not the case. Currently, there is merely $1.77 MM left on the cap to fill the roster. Ouchies. While we can all get mad at Doug for his lack of moves, I'm starting to see what he's doing. Instead of selling low at the draft or cashing in at the trade deadline, he's sitting on his hands. That doesn't mean that a big trade isn't coming, he's just waiting for the right moment. After the free agent frenzy dies down, teams will have some time to look at the roster they have assembled. Many may believe that they now have a chance to compete, or even contend if one more piece is added. (Plank has an article coming, which will cover just that) That's when Doug Wilson will re-open the dealership and boast his "Like New" Jonathan Cheechoo and "Only used by an old lady who drove it to Church" Milan Michalek. Perhaps a stylish German model (Ehrhoff), would be attractive. He might even dangle some Marleau, but the luxury models inside the dealership always cost more. Point is, everyone knows he's trying to make moves right now. By waiting, he's maximizing the value he can get in return.
Three of Cheechoo, Michalek, Lukowich, Ehrhoff, Murray, Marleau, Shelley and Nabokov will be moved: Between these eight players, over $26 MM of cap space is committed. Not all of these players will be moved, but at least three (possibly more, if Shelley is one) will have to be shipped in order to field a competitive team next year. I'm not talking competitive as in being able to compete for a playoff spot, but competitive as in being able to field a legal NHL roster. I don't know which of the players will be moved, but something is coming.
The Sharks top prospects (Couture, Petrecki) will have a shot of making the team out of training camp: Perhaps the reason that Wilson hasn't gone out and signed multiple players is because he believes that our farm system has some players who are ready to see regular time at the NHL level.
The 2010 NHL Draft will be much busier for the Sharks: When salary is dumped, something has to come back. It's usually draft picks. Four of the eight players above would probably return you a first round pick, which is vital for a team who's farm system looks like three M&M's in a jar full of rice. (Ok, so maybe that analogy doesn't make sense to you, but it does to me, so meh.)

All in all, you might have been thinking those same things, and we've touched on many of them already. However, I'm putting my thoughts down on digital paper so that I can just get them out there. I'm not happy with the direction of the Sharks roster so far this season, but that could all change in about a second. News will come, and I'm going to do my best to just sit back and chill. I'm going to try to remember how fun it is to be a fan, and not take anything that happens over this offseaon personally.

If anything else like the Huskins deal happens, though, well... that might be the point of no return for me.

Thornton, Marleau & Boyle named to team Canada roster for 2010 Olympics

That'll Cheech You — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:15:36 -0000

Thornton, Marleau & Boyle named to team Canada roster for 2010 Olympics

It's like the All Star Game, part deux.

Side note... talk about goaltending depth... Luongo, Brodeur and Fleury.

U.S. orientation camp roster announced; Pavelski given the nod

That'll Cheech You — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:06:22 -0000

U.S. orientation camp roster announced; Pavelski given the nod

Joe Pavelski was the lone Shark to be named to the U.S. Olympic Orientation Camp Roster, although there weren't a ton of options. Here is the full list.

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny.

Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

TCY's Wish List: Joel Ward

That'll Cheech You — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:25:02 -0000

Just so ya'll know, I'm writing this before the NHL draft. Started it Thursday, probably going to finish it Friday while I'm (erhem) at work. (UPDATE: finished it on Sunday)

Point is, if this comes out after the draft, it might not make a whole lot of sense. Joel Ward is a role player, a piece on a good team. The Sharks could pull a move in the next few days that make this post irrelevant, but I'm writing it nonetheless. I like Joel Ward, and I'm hoping after I write this post, you do too. (UPDATE: Wilson didn't do anything)

Ward isn't going to wow anyone with his offense, and that's probably the reason it took him three pro seasons to sniff some regular NHL playing time. However, in 79 games this season, Ward put up some solid numbers on an uncharacteristically weak Nashville squad. Ward posted 17 goals and 35 points on the season. Two of the goals were shorties, and two were game winners. Not bad for a guy who was on an offensively challenged team, where only 3 players scored 20 goals or more.

I'm not looking towards Ward for scoring, though. There are others you can sign if you are looking to improve your top two lines. I'm looking at Ward because he's the type of guy who can help improve your bottom lines and special teams. Although many disgruntled Sharks fans are angry at the big six for their lack of, well, anything during the playoffs... they weren't the only problem. The bottom two lines not only didn't score (Cheechoo had the lone point amongst them), but they were also ineffective on defense. Ward might not be the biggest offensive improvement, but he's got exactly what I'm looking for in a third or fourth line guy: Grit, hustle, solid defense, some scoring pop, good size and speed.

Although his 6'2" 205 pound frame puts him 10 pounds lighter than Moen, Ward plays big (and occasionally reckless). He's a good skater and has decent hands for a sandpaper guy. But most importantly, he's got a chip on his shoulder. After his long journey to the NHL, Ward plays as if he has something to prove... and that's what the Sharks need.

He's also a fantastic penalty killer. Of players who played at least two minutes a game for Nashville on the penalty kill, Ward has some crazily impressive numbers. Per 60 minutes on the kill with Ward on the ice, 3.69 goals were scored against the Predators. Take him off the ice, and that number skyrockets to 6.15. Only Ward's kill partner, Jerred Smithson, had a bigger spread between the two values (3.60 GAON, 6.18 GAOFF), but it's a negligible difference. For the record, of all Sharks players, only Pavelski had a higher GAOFF (6.23). However, no Shark had a lower GAON, as Pavelski's team low is 4.38. Moen's team high is a (scream!, however, this counts his time with ANA) 7.75.

No, Ward's never won a Stanley Cup. He can't tell you how to get to the promised land or mentor your young players. But there aren't many who look like they want to get there more than Ward does. Over the last few seasons, Doug Wilson has been big on signing guys who have Stanley Cup rings. Although I do agree that is necessary to have experience, that strategy doesn't always work. Occasionally, players who have won the Cup become complacent, as they've already reached the top of the mountain. Do they really want to climb it again?

I think we need a few players with a bit more fire.

Joel Ward is a guy that can bring fire. All observers see that he does what it takes to win. He's not the one guy who is going to help us get over the hump, but I think it's a tweak that gets us closer. How much is he looking for?

Preds losing several key players?

Greg Zanon, Joel Ward and Vern Fiddler are all unrestricted free agents, and Predators GM David Poile doesn't sound too optimistic about signing them, the Tennessean reports.

Ward is asking for three times what he made this year -- $1.5 million -- and Zanon can likely be replaced from inside the organization, Poile said.

Also, Poile added that keeping Steve Sullivan isn't a given, but he sounded more optimistic about locking up the Masterton Trophy winner.

-ESPN

If we let Grier go, and Roenick comes back for less, then Ward will fit in quite nicely. Anywhere from $1.25MM - $1.5MM, and I'm a happy camper.

Poll

Which 3rd/4th line player would you most like to sign for the 2009-2010 season?

Fear the Fin officially welcomes William Wrenn (2, 43), Taylor Doherty (2, 57), Philip Varone (5,...

That'll Cheech You — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:01:59 -0000

Fear the Fin officially welcomes William Wrenn (2, 43), Taylor Doherty (2, 57), Philip Varone (5, 147), Marek Viedensky (7, 189) and Dominik Bielke (7, 207)

Go Little Sharks!

2009 NHL Entry Draft Open Thread (Rounds Two - Seven)

That'll Cheech You — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:11:59 -0000

Doug Wilson, perhaps a little distracted.

View full size photo uploaded June 27, 2009

So, I don't really think any fan knows what Doug Wilson was thinking about yesterday in Montreal:

Did he turn down any big trades?

Did he have a player in the first round that he tried to acquire?

Does he have anything planned (other than drafting the status quo) for the second day of the draft?

UPDATE: Here's what Wilson was doing, per David Pollak at WTC...

11:00 p.m. — Back now after finishing print edition story and taking care of a couple things around the house. I figure they took precedent over a wrap-up on a night when, um, nothing really happened.

I did talk with Doug Wilson and he said he liked the idea of getting one of the top 11 picks and made some inquiries, but none of those teams ended up trading with anybody. He added that the Sharks could have gotten a first-round pick for the two second round picks it is holding, “but it wouldn’t have gotten us into the range we wanted to be.”

And the Sharks GM did say he talked with Anaheim’s Bob Murray when the Pronger trade talks were under way, “but it was quite evident he was not going to move him within the division.”

Also, he is interested in adding picks Saturday if the opportunity presents itself.

Well, that will all play out today, as it's the last opportunity Wilson will have to meet with all other GM's at the same time and make a deal to adjust the way next year's team will look. Yeah, teams aren't always built or changed at the draft. As a whole though, most player moves are made either during the trade deadline or during the draft festivities. Wilson has been known to make big moves post draft (Boyle), but most fans want something now. I do.

I expected a move would be made yesterday, but I was wrong. Still, I'd be shocked if a move wasn't made today. I didn't see Wilson at the Sharks table once, so I'd assume he was out walking around, talking it up with other GM's. That, or he was in a tanning bed.

Expect the same names to be in play: Cheechoo, Clowe, Marleau, Nabokov, Michalek and Ehrhoff. Much of it is speculation, but remember: 99% of rumors aren't true, but 100% of rumors are fun to talk about.

The second round begins at 7:00 AM, Pacific. Have at it.

TCY's Wish List: Jaroslav Halak

That'll Cheech You — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:38:57 -0000

If I were to go through all the players in the NHL that I wanted to see in a Sharks jersey, it would be a pretty ridiculous list.

Ales Hemsky, Rick Nash, Ovie, Sidney Crosby, Sam Gagner etc.

Most, if not all of those players, would be unattainable. That's not the point of this series of posts. What I'm trying to do is to highlight a few players who could actually find their way to the beautiful city of San Jose.

If you known me at all, or you have a set of working eyes, you should know who will be the first player looked at in this series.

Now, I'm not against signing Gustavsson, and I'm not for (mindlessly blaming and) trading Nabokov. However, after watching Halak play and looking into his career stats, it's kinda hard to ignore him.

Make the jump for an in depth look at Montreal netminder Jaroslav Halak.

He's played for 9 teams over 6 years (in Slovakia, the QMJHL, the ECHL, the AHL, and the NHL), and had a save percentage of under .915 only twice. One of those stints was in the 16 games he played for Montreal in 2006-2007. Over that stretch, he went 10-6 with a 2.89 GAA. The other was 47 games with the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the QMJHL. In those 47 games, he posted a .913 save percentage while going 24-17 with a 2.78 GAA. So even when he's bad, he's pretty good.

He's never had a losing record. Last season with the playoff bound yet rapidly imploding Canadiens, he went 18-14, while starter Carey Price went 23-16. Price posted a .905 save % accompanied by a 2.83 GAA. Halak came in at .915 and 2.86. Not too shabby.

He's 24. Gustavsson? He's a year older. But another thing that Halak has over Gustavsson is that he's NHL tested. Although it's known that Gustavsson has talent, it's unknown if that talent will translate directly to the NHL. In Halak, you at least have an idea of what you are getting.

Is he better than Nabokov? Who knows. But what I do know is that the difference between the two is far from vast. The biggest difference between them is the price. Nabokov's contract is fourth largest on the team, and it sure would be nice to shed some salary this offseason. Halak, although an RFA after next season, is only an 800,000 cap hit. You've got a better chance to sign Halak for cheaper and longer after the season is over.

Besides the skill and the cost, the thing that makes Halak most attractive is the situation he's in. Carey Price is, and without a doubt will be, the starter for the Montreal Canadiens in the present and future. That leaves the Canadiens in a sticky situation. With Halak an RFA next season, he'll most likely be signed away by a team in need of goaltending. The Canadiens will undoubtedly let him walk (they're almost guaranteed to use all their cap space on free agents this offseason), because they already have Price (who's also an RFA). If I were Bob Gainey, I'd do my best to get as much value as possible for him right now.

This situation is much like the Sharks' with Toskala and Nabokov a few seasons ago. Toskala, who played extremely well as both the backup and starter for San Jose, was considered to be the best goalie not starting in the NHL at the time (Nabokov unseeded Toskala at midseason, and played well in the playoffs). The Sharks ended up trading him (along with Mark Bell) to Toronto in 2007 for the team's 1st & 2nd round pick in 2007 and their 4th round pick in 2009. That was a good deal for the Sharks, but it probably could have been better... the situation (having two good goalies) in San Jose forced Doug Wilson's hand, and other teams knew it. Toronto got Toskala at less than market value.

If the Sharks were to trade for Halak now, they'd get him at a bargain. Michalek, Cheechoo, and a fourth? Ehrhoff and a 2nd? There are a few possibilities. Montreal is $33.4MM under the cap right now, so they most likely could absorb some salary. If they don't go after JB, defense is a point of weakness for them. Or, Michalek and Cheechoo could provide secondary scoring if they go after the Sedins/Gaborik/Havlat/Hossa/Lecavalier. As it stands, they only have seven forwards signed for next year. There is alot to be done in Montreal this offseason. If this scenario were to play out, the Sharks would then be able to move Nabokov to replace the pieces we lost to trade for Halak. Hell, wheelin' dealin' Wilson might even be able to pull a three way dealio. That way he's avoid the same situation he's taking advantage of.

Or, you could trade for Halak and still keep Nabokov for the time being. If time was split between the two, a decision could be made by the trade deadline: who to keep, and who to trade. Either would bring a pretty good haul in a deadline day deal.

Of course, this is all pure speculation. You may agree, and you may not. I really like Halak, and a trade involving him could be good for this team. S'all I'm sayin'.

Poll

All things considered (age, skill, contract, players/picks given up in order to obtain) which goalie would you rather have?

Jonas Gustavsson

98 votes

Jaroslav Halak

87 votes

Evgeni Nabokov

106 votes

291 votes | Poll has closed

RFA of the Day: Marcel Goc

That'll Cheech You — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:05:26 -0000

More photos » by Mark Avery - AP

San Jose Sharks center Marcel Goc, center, of Germany, sits on the puck between Anaheim Ducks' Andrew Ebbett, left, and Sheldon Brookbank, during a battle against the boards. "Ow, guys, cut it out. Seriously guys, stop it. C'mon guys, leave me alone!"

Browse more photos »

I'm biased on this issue. Back in the day (January), I wrote a response to a poster's dissin' of Marcel Goc. Although some of my reasoning was faulty, many of the points I made about why I like Goc as a player still hold true today. I'm not as into him as I was earlier in the season, but I still have faith that he can be a capable third line player.

First off, Goc will be 26 at the beginning of next season. He's not "young" by traditional prospect standards, but he's also not yet old enough to write off completely. Here's his scouting report, courtesy of TheHockeyNews.com

ASSETS: Has outstanding speed and creative instincts in the offensive zone. Is a capable player in all game situations.

FLAWS: Must gain more strength in order to withstand the pounding of an 82-game schedule. Needs more time to fully develop his all-around game.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Second line center.

Although Goc might never reach his potential, this report is what should be expected from a late first round pick. In researching Goc, I also found this article which was written about him in 2006 at Hockey's Future, take a look see...

Entering the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Marcel Goc was considered the best prospect Germany had produced since Marco Sturm. Five years later, San Jose's second German first round pick is well on his way toward becoming one of the top two-way forwards in the NHL.

After playing four seasons in the DEL Goc came to North America for the 2003-04 season to play for the AHL Cleveland Barons. The 20-year-old Goc scored 16 goals and 21 assists in 78 games for Cleveland, but he also impressed in five playoffs games with the San Jose Sharks. The lockout kept him out of the NHL in 2004-05, but with the return of the NHL came the arrival of Goc in San Jose as a regular in the line-up.

Goc started the 2005-06 season as a second and third line center, but he was moved down to the third and fourth lines after the acquisition of Joe Thornton. However, after Alyn McCauley was injured against Nashville in the first round of the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Goc was again on the third line full-time and playing a high-energy forechecking game.

The 22-year-old has displayed keen two-way hockey sense since he was a teenager in Germany, but the smooth skating Goc also has soft hands and offensive abilities. His defensive awareness and effort, mixed with his offensive skills, should help Goc contend for the Selke Trophy later in his career. Goc will never be a regular first line forward in the NHL, but players like Goc help win Stanley Cups.

It's that last line that gets me. People around here get on Goc for his inability to score, but that's really not what Goc is about. In 55 games this year, I was pretty impressed from what I saw from Goc, even with the lack of scoring. Like these observers above, I see Goc's ability to play a solid two way game. If he wasn't the victim of the crazy 3rd - 4th line shuffling during the year, he probably would have put up much better numbers to go along with his solid defensive play. Defensive play, you ask? Well, according to behindthenet.ca, Goc took 0.5 penalties/60, yet drew 1.0. The 1.83 goals/60 mins that were scored against the Sharks while Goc was on the ice is 5th lowest on the team.

These are solid numbers. Most importantly, though, is face-off percentage. Although Goc's missed games take him out of the running for the league lead in the category, his 58.2 winning percentage put him first on the Sharks and fourth in the NHL. That's crazy valuable.

If I were McLellan, I'd plop Goc on a third line with Mitchell and Moen/whoever else. That all-energy checking line would work magic in all three zones. People forget that Goc is one of the best all around skaters on the team, and putting him on a line with Mitchell would help both of their numbers. In addition, I would give Goc more duties on the PK. Although Marleau, Michalek, Grier, and Pavelski got the job done for most of the season last year, I'd prefer that Mitchell and Goc see more time. This is a necessity with Grier likely leaving, but it will also allow McLellan to rest Marleau more. Third, I'd make sure that Goc was hitting the gym every day. Adding 10-15 pounds to his 6'1", 200 lb frame would do wonders for his skillset. With that extra size, Goc would also be able to more easily create offense. He loves moving the puck to the wings and playing along the boards; the increased size would give him an advantage in that department. I'm also ready to see him start camping in front of the net when he doesn't have the puck. That grit could be used in the defensive zone too, as an increased frame could help him block shots. Lastly, bulking up will likely help prevent injury; he's broken down almost every year so far. Hit the weights, Count Chocula.

All in all, I'm not ready to give up on Goc. I think he's a good player. He might never put up the offensive numbers that a top six forward would, but that's not what I'm looking for. I want a solid, two way player who chips in some offense here and there. 11 points isn't nearly enough, but I think we can expect good things from Goc this year. With consistent line mates, a 30 point season isn't out of the question. It's time for him to live up to the hype.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Goc is the cataylst to this team's success. If he can finally become the dominant (doesn't have to score 50 points to do this) two way player I expect him to be, well, let's just say I don't think we'd be going home in the first round. He's got the grit we're missing, he just has to use it.

TCY's Final Offer: 3 years at $1.00MM annually. It's a pretty decent raise over the $775,000 he was making last year, even though his stats don't really merit an increase. I'm giving him the 3 year deal in hopes that the $1.00MM looks like a good deal in year two, and a steal in year three. I don't think the demand is too high for him, but signing a thrid line player with his potential at this price is almost criminal. Also, he looks like Count Chocula, and I love it.

Poll

If you were Doug Wilson, would you re-sign Marcel Goc?

Yes

238 votes

No

65 votes

303 votes | Poll has closed

[RUMOR] Bleacher Report: Blake Re-Signs With Sharks

That'll Cheech You — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:48:26 -0000

[RUMOR] Bleacher Report: Blake Re-Signs With Sharks

UPDATE: Not true, thank god. Pollak debunked it.

H/T to CTGray