San Jose Sharks re-sign Matt Tennyson to two-year deal
The San Jose Sharks agreed to a two-year contract with free agent defenseman Matt Tennyson earlier this week, continuing a surprisingly quiet offseason for the team. Despite early indications that GM Doug Wilson would significantly alter the team’s roster to prepare for the future, San Jose has essentially stood pat.
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Terms from the contract haven’t been announced, but it’s likely to be a modest payout given the role Tennyson is expected to fill. Even after losing Dan Boyle, the Sharks appear to have the majority of their depth chart set on defense for 2014-15, so Tennyson primarily gives the team solid depth.
Tennyson, 24, got his first taste of NHL action during the 2012-13 season, but didn’t make it back to San Jose last year. Instead, he spent the season with the team’s AFL affiliate in Worcester, recording seven goals and 21 points over 54 games.
With the announcement earlier in the week, Wilson offered some optimism for Tennyson’s future with the team:
"“Matt is a young, puck-moving defenseman with the vision to create offense from the back end,” said Wilson. “We are excited to watch him progress as we continue the process of committing to the younger players in our organization.”"
Tennyson also offered some positive words during a conference call after the deal was announced:
"“I think all the young guys are definitely ready to make an impact,” said Tennyson via conference call. “I think there is already a solid core of guys there that we can make a lot of strides.“I think you have to take everything in stride. First and foremost I have to make the team out of camp and obviously this summer is a big summer for me with players coming in ready to go and ready to make the team.”"
Tennyson was originally signed by San Jose in 2012, and should get a solid shot at making the big club during training camp. With the two-year deal, the Sharks clearly want to give him a legitimate chance to find a role.