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Sharks sign Melker Karlsson, Joonas Donskoi to extensions

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 23, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Jose Sharks have signed Melker Karlsson and Joonas Donskoi to extensions to start their offseason. 

This offseason, the San Jose Sharks have some important decisions to make and not too much salary cap space to play with. Ergo, getting value will be vital to their success moving forward. They’re off to a pretty good start, extending restricted free agents Melker Karlsson and Joonas Donskoi to extensions. The former got a three-year deal with an annual cap hit of $2 million while the latter got a two-year deal with an annual cap hit of $1.9 million.

“Joonas plays a solid two-way game, combining his skill and creativity with an aggressive, hard-working effort in all three zones,” said general manager Doug Wilson, via NHL.com. “He plays the game the way we want to play as a team, and we feel he has only scratched the surface of his abilities.”

Donskoi is an important figure for the Sharks over the next few years. He’s the more talented of the duo and possesses more upside. Donskoi was a huge part of their 2016 Stanley Cup run which ended with a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, though injuries limited him this season. The Sharks are hoping he can stay healthy and productive.

Karlsson has never played more than 67 games in a season, but he’s coming off his second most productive NHL season with 22 points. Karlsson has shown potential but hasn’t been able to jump past the third line since his rookie season, when he earned playing time with Joe Thornton. However, he hasn’t been able to match his success from his rookie campaign.

Must Read: NHL Mock Expansion Draft: Golden Knights Get Joe Thornton

The Sharks still have some work to do, as they will look into bringing back Patrick Marleau and Thornton. But bringing back Donskoi and Karlsson on very reasonable deals is a good start.

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