The San Jose Sharks are entering the NHL offseason with determination, signing a veteran duo that significantly strengthens their blue line. These two Stanley Cup champions will join a roster looking to aim higher with former players from the Carolina Hurricanes and St. Louis Blues.
The Sharks are in a deep rebuilding phase under general manager Mike Grier, who since 2022 has focused his efforts on creating a long-term competitive core. After finishing with the league’s worst record in two consecutive seasons, the team is looking to retool and move forward.
Adding two experienced Cup-winning players can be a big positive for the Sharks. At the same time, in free agency, they have opted for short, strategic contracts to reach the NHL salary cap floor while also accumulating assets for potential future trades.
Which players are joining the Sharks?
The two Stanley Cup-winning players joining the Sharks are defenseman Nick Leddy, who was claimed off waivers from the Blues, and defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who arrives in San Jose from the Hurricanes on a two-year, $13 million contract ($6.5 million AAV).
Orlov, 33, comes from the Hurricanes, where he recorded 6 goals and 28 points in 76 games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 20 minutes per game and adding 4 assists in 15 playoff games before the team was eliminated by the Florida Panthers.
Leddy joined San Jose after spending over three seasons in St. Louis. In 2024–25, he played 31 games and was limited by an injury but still holds a current contract with a $4 million AAV. His extensive experience is backed by over 1,000 NHL games played.
When did they win the Stanley Cup?
Orlov won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018 alongside Alex Ovechkin, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights. Meanwhile, the veteran Leddy captured the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, beating the Boston Bruins.