5 worst contracts signed in San Jose Sharks franchise history feat. Erik Karlsson

By Evan Bell

Modified Jul 26, 2024 16:20 GMT

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This summer, the San Jose Sharks front office has gone to work bolstering the teams roster for the season ahead. After finishing last season with the worst record in the Pacific Division, GM Mike Grier has responded by making some big moves, acquiring a number of veterans to their locker room while also making a slew of draft day selections, including Macklin Celebrini.

While this offseason has been a big one for the San Jose Sharks, in the past, the team hasn't been immune to bad contracts. Just like any other team in professional sports, the Sharks have whiffed on a number of signings throughout the team's 33-year history.

From injury woes to prospects who simply didn't pan out, the Sharks front office has come up short over the years a number of times.

Five worst contracts signed in San Jose Sharks franchise history

#5: Jonathan Cheechoo

NHL: Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn

At the time the San Jose Sharks signed Jonathan Cheechoo to a five-year extension worth $15 million, he was fresh off an impressive season where he earned the Maurice Richard Trophy. The following season, his numbers dipped, however in Year 2 of his five-year extension things became much worse.

Cheechoo went from a 93-point player before his extension to a 69-point player the first year of his extension, to 37 points the second year of his extension. His woes continued in Year 3 with just 29 points in 66 games before he was traded to Ottawa, who waived him after the 2009-10 season.

#4: Kevin Labanc

NHL: Minnesota Wild at San Jose Sharks - Source: Imagn

Kevin Labanc's third contract with the San Jose Sharks was rough to say the least. The winger is fresh off a four-year deal worth $18.9 million, and is currently sitting as an unrestricted free agent after being one of the most overpaid players in the league.

The first year of his extension, he played in just 55 games, finishing the year with 28 points before playing in just 21 games the following year. The 2022-23 season saw him play in 72 games, logging 33 points; however, last season he struggled to produce when healthy, ending the year with nine points in 46 games.

#3: Erik Karlsson

NHL: Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn

Heading into the 2019-20 season, the San Jose Sharks signed Erik Karlsson to an eight-year deal worth a whopping $92M. It took just four years for San Jose to pull the plug, trading Karlsson to Pittsburgh.

The reason Karlsson isn't higher on this list is because in the 2022-23 season, he dominated, winning the Norris Trophy after three years of frequent injuries that kept him off the ice for large stretches.

#2: Logan Couture

NHL: San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks - Source: Imagn

Before signing an eight-year extension with the San Jose Sharks worth $64 million, Logan Couture impressed in back-to-back seasons with 61 points in 78 games in the 2017-18 season, and 70 points in 81 games in the 2018-19 season.

In the first two years of his extension, he dealt with injuries that saw him play 52 and 53 games, respectively. While he was able to bounce back with two healthy years, last season, it was more of the same with Couture playing just six games. Currently, it's unclear whether he will in fact return to the ice.

#1: Marc-Edouard Vlasic

NHL: Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks - Source: Imagn

One of the worst contracts in the league. The Sharks signed Marc-Edouard Vlasic to an eight-year deal worth $56 million heading into the 2018-19 season. Considering how well he is paid, the defenseman just doesn't give the Sharks enough firepower.

This, of course, isn't entirely surprising given that Vlasic is now 37 years old. However, given that the team is trying to make a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Vlasic's $7M AAV is a tough pill to swallow. To make matters even worse, the team has him under contract for two more seasons.