SURPRISE MOVE: San Jose Sharks Sign Ilya Samsonov | Defense Set Heading Into Training Camp?

San Jose Sharks shake up their goaltending depth by signing Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, two-way deal. With Alex Nedeljkovic, Yaroslav Askarov, and Eric Comrie already in the mix, is Mike Grier preparing for an injury, a possible waiver claim, or a strategic trade? JD Young analyzes how this surprising move could impact the AHL tandem and the Sharks’ NHL goaltending stability heading into training camp.

On the blue line, the Sharks’ defensive pairings are mostly set, but the battle for the seventh defenseman spot heats up. Key names like Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba, Sam Dickinson, Michael Kesselring, and Luca Cagnoni anchor a retooled unit. Who will secure that final roster spot—Nolan Allen, Libor Hajek, or an external addition via trade? Line combinations, depth concerns, and possible waiver-wire pickups all take center stage as San Jose eyes a resilient blue line for the upcoming season.