2012-13 San Jose Sharks Go to Plan B as Shane Doan Stays with Phoenix Coyotes

It looks as though Shane Doan will be staying in Arizona whether or not the NHL lockout continues.
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Before the lockout, the free agency market was waiting for Shane Doan to pull the trigger on a move he was obviously reluctant to make. Now it appears he is staying put in the event a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

There is no need to sign other free agents until there is going to be a season. Nevertheless, suitors like the San Jose Sharks would be wise to settle on an alternative.

For San Jose, this plan B option could more appropriately be called a plan C since the team’s first choice was actually Rick Nash. Another division rival, the Anaheim Ducks, further diminished the talent pool when they announced they are keeping Bobby Ryan.

However, here are the top five remaining forwards for the Sharks, what they bring to the table and links to a more in-depth analysis of their assets and liabilities previously outlined on San Jose Sharks Examiner…

Jason Arnott

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Jason Arnott could provide the San Jose Sharks a Stanley Cup veteran that can still score. In fact, a deeper look at advanced stats like goals vs. threshold suggests he would compete for a spot on the second line.



Daymond Langkow

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Daymond Langkow is a gritty veteran who can be an asset on both ends of the ice. An analysis of his assets and liabilities suggests he would be a welcome addition to the third line and a capable fill-in for the second line if a scorer goes down.

Jochen Hecht

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Jochen Hecht is a good skater who plays tough defense, fitting the identity San Jose Sharks' general manager Doug Wilson has said he wants. He missed most of last season, but if healthy he offers more than meets the eye on both sides of the ice.

Andrei Kostitsyn

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Andrei Kostitsyn might be willing to leave the KHL if the NHL lockout ends and is still young enough to become a star. However, the San Jose Sharks will not want to commit much to him with his character questions.

Because of what he brings with him to any team, he is the highest risk but also the highest reward of the remaining free agent forwards.

Petr Sykora

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Petr Sykora would bring skill and championship experience, but his best days are behind him. He is obviously still a capable scorer, but the question is whether he fits in with the San Jose Sharks' needs and desired identity.