Sharks bring back Stalock, Brown on two-year deals

Not much is known about what the future holds for the San Jose Sharks, but Alex Stalock and Mike Brown will be a part of it, at least for the next two seasons.

Stalock and Brown, who were both set to hit the market on July 1 as unrestricted free agents, were both signed to two-year deals, as announced by GM Doug Wilson via press release.

According to Kevin Kurz of CSN, Stalock will receive $3.2 million over two years, while Brown will make $2.4 million on his deal.

The re-signing of Stalock is no surprise, but bringing back Brown on a multi-year deal worth over $2 million might raise some eyebrows.

Brown, known more as an enforcer than a playmaker, had just two goals and three assists in 48 games in 2013-2014. A seven-year veteran, Brown was acquired for a fourth-round pick before the trade deadline last season.

He spent a majority of his playing time on the fourth line, finished with a plus-minus rating of -10, and was second on the team with 75 penalty minutes.

Stalock, meanwhile, looks to be a key component of the Sharks’ future. He burst onto the scene in his first full NHL season in 2013-2014 with a 12-5-2 record, .932 save percentage, and an impressive 1.87 GAA in 24 games, backing up starting goaltender Antti Niemi.

Stalock made three playoff appearances this season, spelling Niemi twice and getting the start in the Game 6 loss to the Kings. Stalock will likely contend for the starting job next season with Niemi, though some speculate Wilson may be looking to move some of his veterans — including Niemi — as part of a rebuilding process.

Stalock, for his part, is happy to be returning, telling Kurz:

“I love it there and I love the group, and I’m looking forward to taking another step.”

Wilson still has a lot of work to do. He has to decide what to do with Martin Havlat, who he announced will not return to the Sharks next year. The future of the team’s veteran corps — namely Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau — remains uncertain. Additionally, the NHL draft is approaching fast on June 27.