NHL News: Sharks Letting 3 Free Agents Walk

The San Jose Sharks were the NHL's worst team this season. This was expected, as they traded away several key players since last season, including Timo Meier, Erik Karlsson, and Tomas Hertl. With the team rebuilding, it is understandable that they have made some big changes.

The Sharks are set to make more changes to their group this offseason, as GM Mike Grier shared to reporters that he will let Alexander Barabanov, Mike Hoffman, and Kevin Labanc all walk into free agency.

Grier says he’ll let Barabanov, Hoffman and Labanc walk as free agents
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) April 20, 2024

Barabanov, 29, appeared in 46 games this season with the Sharks, posting four goals, 13 points, and a minus-24. It was a brutal year for the winger, especially when noting that he had 15 goals and 47 points in 68 games just in 2022-23. A change of scenery should help him bounce back.

Hoffman, 34, played in 66 games this season for the Sharks, where he had 10 goals and 23 points. It was a rough season for the veteran forward. Teams could look to take a flier on him at a cheap cap hit or through a PTO.

Labanc, 28, had a disastrous season, recording just two goals and seven assists in 46 games. This came after he had 15 goals and 33 points in 72 games. A much-needed fresh start could help him get things back on track.