The San Jose Sharks need to do whatever it takes to keep Martin Jones.
While not a free agent until the 2018-19 season, the team may wish to extend his contract in order for him to stay in San Jose. It’s for good reason, as Jones has been the lifeline of the Sharks since his arrival in 2015.
Formerly of the Los Angeles Kings, Jones came to San Jose via trade. Originally, he was dealt to Boston, who then traded him to his new home in San Jose. He quickly signed a three-year, $9 million deal.
While Jones hasn’t won the Vezina Trophy at any point in his career, the impact he’s had on San Jose is unmatched by any goalie in their recent history.
During the Sharks Stanley Cup Finals run in 2016, Jones started 24 games, recording three shutouts. While the Sharks didn’t win the Cup, his play was one of the biggest factors for the Sharks season.
At 27-years-old, Jones is entering the prime of his career. It’s the perfect opportunity for him to cash in on a new deal. However, San Jose might need to pony up a little more than his current $3 million per year. A player of his caliber should be rewarded.
It’s unclear as to whether Jones would opt to leave San Jose if the team doesn’t strike up an extension. The Sharks organization needs to get the ball rolling, as many other NHL teams will come Martin Jones’s way if he does indeed become an unrestricted free agent.
Rarely does an undrafted player become so vital to a team’s success. Martin Jones has been that for the San Jose Sharks. While his 2016-17 numbers strayed a little off course from his previous years, he’s still an elite NHL goaltender. As a result, San Jose needs to pay him like one.