Tag Archives: Scott Gomez
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.
San Jose Sharks have not made decision on Scott Gomez
Unrestricted free-agent forward Scott Gomez flew here with the Sharks for their season opener Sunday, but a decision on his future with the team might take another few days.
However, coach Todd McLellan made it clear he didn’t see Gomez’s presence as a distraction.
“Everybody right now is so focused on game one and excited about it,” McLellan said before Sunday’s 4-1 Sharks win over Calgary. “Having Scott around and having him make his decision on whether he likes our environment and whether we like him in our environment is a great opportunity for us over the next couple of days.”
Gomez, 33, seemed fine with the situation as it was and the potential chance to play for the Sharks.
“You always hear about San Jose and you never hear anything bad about the organization,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Wade Redden, Scott Gomez bought out; who wants them?
Both players would’ve just stayed home and collected their paychecks had the NHL and NHLPA not agreed to activate the buyout rule before the offseason, which was the initial plan. The change in course allows for an early fresh start for everyone involved, and that’s a good thing.
Redden is likely to pick a new team on Friday, TSN.ca’s Darren Dreger reported. Clubs “kicking the tires,” according to TSN.ca’s Bob McKenzie: the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. The Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes are considering Gomez, according to McKenzie.
Both can still apparently contribute, previous ridiculous contracts aside. Redden, an offensive defenseman, was productive in the AHL, where the Rangers stashed him to avoid his salary cap hit. Gomez’s offensive abilities cratered after the Canadiens acquired him (from the Rangers, not coincidentally) in 2009, but he still could play in the bottom six.
CANADIENS TELL GOMEZ NOT TO REPORT TO TEAM THIS SEASON
The era in Montreal appears to be at an end.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the Canadiens have told Gomez he will not be a part of the team this season. Montreal will continue to pay Gomez for the season and his contract will count against the team’s salary cap.
Gomez’s salary for 2012-13 is $5.5 million but carries cap hit of $7.357 million (based on an 82-game schedule).
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