Sharks to Make Decision on Qualifying RFAs Filip Zadina and Jack Studnicka by Sunday
According to a source from San Jose Hockey Now, the Sharks will not be qualifying RFAs Filip Zadina and Jack Studnicka. The official deadline for qualifying offers is Sunday, so the final decision regarding Zadina and Studnicka will be made then. If the Sharks choose not to qualify them, Zadina and Studnicka will become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
Sharks general manager Mike Grier had mentioned earlier that Zadina was being considered for a return to the team, but did not confirm anything. This uncertainty may be due in part to the recent acquisitions of forwards Barclay Goodrow, Ty Dellandrea, Carl Grundstrom, and Egor Afanasyev. These new additions to the team bring a different style of play than Zadina and Studnicka, which may impact the decision to qualify them.
With limited playing time available, it may be a strategic move for the Sharks to focus on players who fit the specific style of play that Grier is trying to cultivate within the team. While Zadina and Studnicka are talented players, the team’s recent acquisitions may indicate a shift in their roster strategy towards a more physical and hard-to-play-against approach. Ultimately, the decision regarding Zadina and Studnicka will be finalized on Sunday, shedding light on the Sharks’ plans for their lineup moving forward.