San Jose Sharks Extend Young Forward

 

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Dylan Gambrell to a one-year contract. It will carry a $1.1 million cap hit for the season. 

RE-SIGNED ✍️ We’ve inked @D_Gambrell7 to a one-year deal!

Details: https://t.co/chnOYC0i59 pic.twitter.com/0Bk8GrGaxz

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 15, 2021

In 49 games this season, the 24-year-old had five goals and 12 points as a member of the team's bottom-six. He also became a key part of the team's penalty kill because of his very effective defensive play. This is something that should continue to improve as his career progresses.

This extension likely means Gambrell will be exposed for the Expansion Draft, though. The Sharks needed two forwards signed through next season to be left unprotected, as it is required. They appear to have that now with him and recently extended veteran, Matt Nieto. Furthermore, the Kraken may be interested in him, as he is originally from Washington. 

Ideally, the Sharks certainly would like to have Gambrell come back next season. However, they have other forwards who they simply need to protect more. If he is not taken by the Kraken, the Sharks will continue to use him as a primary penalty killer. If he can contribute more offensively, he has all the tools to become a very solid third-line, two-way center in this league. 

Photo Credit: © Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports