The San Jose Sharks have officially signed goaltender Jakub Skarek to a one-year contract worth $775,000. The team announced the agreement on Thursday, adding an unrestricted free agent with previous NHL exposure to their organizational depth.
Skarek, a 25-year-old netminder from Jihlava, Czechia, was originally a third-round draft pick (72nd overall) by the New York Islanders in 2018. He spent the majority of his professional career within the Islanders organization.
Last season, Skarek received his first taste of NHL action, appearing in two games for the Islanders. While a brief stint, his record stood at 0-1-0 with a 3.94 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage. His primary role was with the AHL`s Bridgeport Islanders, where he played 22 games. In the minors, he posted a 5-13-1 record, a 3.52 GAA, and an .884 save percentage, including one shutout. His NHL numbers from a two-game sample are, predictably, not sparkling, highlighting the often-unforgiving nature of short stints at the highest level.
Sharks General Manager Mike Grier commented on the acquisition in a team release, stating, “Jakub has a plethora of professional experience in net at just 25 years old. He is a big, athletic goaltender with a lot of compete in his game.” Grier`s comments emphasize Skarek`s physical attributes and competitive drive, traits desirable in a goaltender looking to make his mark.
The one-year, $775,000 contract is standard for a player in Skarek`s position – an unrestricted free agent aiming to secure an opportunity and compete for playing time, likely within the team`s goaltending pipeline, offering organizational depth at a manageable salary cap hit.
This signing provides the Sharks with additional depth in their goaltending system. Skarek will look to leverage his AHL experience and the traits highlighted by Grier into a competitive position, whether that`s pushing for an NHL role or solidifying the crease in the AHL.
Tristan Blackwood