3 Sharks Players Who Won’t Be Back Next Season

The San Jose Sharks have had a very tough season all around. The team has stayed at the bottom of the standings and after trading away what they could, are left with a team that will win very few games for the remainder of the season. The Sharks weren't able to move everything they could have, so the rest will be done in the offseason.

Devin Cooley

Devin Cooley was traded to the Sharks this season from the Buffalo Sabres due to the injuries in net, but he was not having a great season in the AHL to that point. He is currently on the roster of the Sharks, but hasn't played a game yet. The 26-year-old goalie doesn't look like he will be anything special, and there will also be no room for him in San Jose next season with Vitek Vanecek, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Magnus Chroma. Cooley will likely find himself elsewhere for organizational depth.

Alexander Barabanov

Alexander Barabanov wanted to go to a contender at the trade deadline, but wasn't dealt. It has been a much different season for the winger without his regular centerman Logan Couture. Barabanov has proven in the past that he is able to produce offensively and will likely be looking to sign with a contender as he is a UFA after the season. Since he wants to win, he is not going to get that wish in San Jose for a number of years. He hasn't been able to cash in yet either, so a good season on a contender could boost his numbers for the contract after that.

Kevin Labanc

There was no way that the Sharks were going to be able to trade Kevin Labanc at the trade deadline. For his work a number of years ago when the Sharks were competitive, he was finally awarded with a contract for his efforts. That backfired quickly as his production dropped off as the team got much worse. Labanc is a UFA after the season and really needs a change of scenery. I think he can still be an effective bottom-six player, but the Sharks' losing has drained him.