Gomez continues his evaluation period with the Sharks

Free agent forward Scott Gomez continues his evaluation period with the Sharks, and for the first time skated with the full team on Monday in Edmonton. Gomez was wearing a teal jersey with the other bottom six forwards and scratches.

A decision on Gomez is not expected until Tuesday at the earliest. The Sharks are evidently making sure that Gomez is in top physical condition before they take a chance on the former Montreal Canadiens player who was recently bought out of the final two years of his contract.

Head coach Todd McLellan was impressed with Gomez on Monday.

“For me, the fitness test is, can he keep up in practice right now? If you can’t, you’re not fit,” McLellan said. “From what I’ve seen – today was the first day he skated with us – he looked quick. The effort level in practice was strong.”

It’s uncertain just where Gomez, 33, would fit on the Sharks’ roster. The team is carrying the full 23 players at the moment, and that doesn’t include Jason Demers, who has not yet been medically cleared (fractured wrist). Known as a playmaking center when he’s effectively on his game, Gomez could find a home on the team’s third line between Tommy Wingels and TJ Galiardi, a spot now occupied by 35-year-old Michal Handzus.

http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/kevin-kurz/sharks-notes-gomez-skates-again-stuarts-second-debut