Sharks face decisions on pending free agents before 2026-27 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 3:53 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches, the San Jose Sharks prepare to address the statuses of several pending free agents. Among them are unrestricted free agents Barclay Goodrow, Adam Gaudette, and Dmitry Orlov, all entering the final year of their contracts. Goodrow and Gaudette are unlikely to remain regulars due to competition for roster spots. Orlov, however, is viewed as the most probable candidate to return next season. Additionally, restricted free agent Will Smith is a key figure for future negotiations, with starting goaltender Yaroslav Askarov also needing a new contract at season's end. Decisions regarding trades, extensions, and roster composition will heavily influence the Sharks' campaign ahead.
- •Training camp for the 2026-27 NHL season starts next month.
- •Barclay Goodrow and Adam Gaudette are pending unrestricted free agents.
- •Dmitry Orlov likely to play a significant role this season.
- •Will Smith could become a key restricted free agent next summer.
- •Starting goaltender Yaroslav Askarov's contract situation depends on his performance.
- 3:53 AMYahoo Sports — Sharks' Pending Free Agents Heading Into the 2026-27 Season
"With training camp and preseason set to start next month, the 2026-27 NHL season is about to be in full swing. The San Jose Sharks, like every team, are entering the season with a number of players coming into the final year of their contract. Whether the Sharks look to extend these players, trade them at the Trade Deadline, or keep them as self-rentals before allowing them to walk as free agents, the way Mike Grier handles these players can massively shape the coming campaign.
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