Being an NHL-quality player?This signing confirms no buyouts for the Sharks so they're going with what they have for the most part with obvious trade caveats thrown in there. They won't have the post-arbitration window at their disposal. I hope Gawanke gets an NHL shot here though. Only way that happens is a Karlsson trade without an RHD coming back though. I can't imagine a way for him to supplant Benning and Burroughs.
It's not necessarily about being an NHL-quality player. That's a hard arbitrary standard to really put a definitive line on especially when you're dealing with the margins between fringe NHL players. I think the idea was to provide Gawanke with the shot under the presumption that Karlsson got dealt without an RHD coming back and then he would be able to play with any of the lefties we decide to keep who all have at least some experience. The issue is their sheer amount of bodies on the blue line at this stage and each of them being something to deal with. Simek and Knyzhov have injury histories but I can at least see a good mix of either of those with Gawanke if he comes through on such an opportunity. But because Simek and Knyzhov have injury histories to deal with, it's hard to pair him with a rookie that needs a stable presence. The obvious answer there is either Vlasic or Ferraro but then you're asking one of those injury cases to play in the top four with Karlsson or Benning or even potentially Burroughs. The blue line is a mess and I'd appreciate Grier making some sort of move to help clear it up. It's going to bug me until something's done. lolBeing an NHL-quality player?
Flippancy aside (though I'm not being too flippant here), it shouldn't be difficult to supplant either of them, or Knyzhov/Simek/MacDonald/Thrun for that matter. Our defensive corps is probably the worst in the league.
20 goals last season woooof!!
Kind of like that other Leon from Germany too.All o no D for Leon. One of those guys. Will put up 20 goals and 40 50 points but be on the Ice for more goals against.
Kinda like Karlsson but ahl level
Sounds good for bringing some entertainment value to the tank.All o no D for Leon. One of those guys. Will put up 20 goals and 40 50 points but be on the Ice for more goals against.
Kinda like Karlsson but ahl level
Some city-dweller got a dog named after him.No German named "Leon" has ever done anything substantial. Prove me wrong.
Guy has a cannon.20 goals last season woooof!!