San Jose Sharks re-sign Alexander Barabanov for two years, $2.5 million AAV

The San Jose Sharks don’t have a replacement for Doug Wilson as their long-term GM yet. But that isn’t stopping them from re-signing some pending free agents.

On Monday the Sharks announced a two-year extension for left winger Alexander Barabanov. Per club policy, financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but multiple reports have surfaced indicating the pact carries a $2.5-million AAV.

Barabanov, 27, entered this season with only 44 NHL games to his name. He had shown promise after being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Sharks late in 2020-21, however, with three goals and seven points in nine games. This season, he established himself as an NHL regular, tallying 10 goals and 39 points in 70 games while averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time per game. He’s a versatile forward with two-way acumen who can move around San Jose’s top-nine forward group. By season’s end, he was earning looks on San Jose’s first line and top power-play unit.

“Alexander had a very good first full year in the NHL, showing that he is a consistent point producer and playmaker, said Sharks interim GM Joe Will in a statement released by the team. “Paired with his grit and hard work, he has the potential to improve upon his success this past year.”

The Sharks also announced Monday that they’d re-signed pending UFA defenseman Jaycob Megna, 29, on a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.