NHL Free Agency: Sharks Acquire 4 New Players

The San Jose Sharks made a flurry of impactful moves on the first day of free agency, signing three NHL veterans and trading for a goaltender in a clear bid to bolster their roster for 2025–26. 

The team announced deals with John Klingberg (1-year, $4M), Philipp Kurashev (1-year, $1.2M), and Adam Gaudette (2 years, $4M), while also acquiring goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2028 third-round pick.

Klingberg Gets One-Year Prove-It Deal in San Jose

Klingberg, 32, joins the Sharks after a limited but encouraging run with the Edmonton Oilers. Despite injuries holding him to just 25 regular-season games over the past two years, the Swedish defenseman played a steady role in the Oilers’ playoff run, logging over 19 minutes per game. With the Sharks thin on the right side, Klingberg is expected to see second-pairing minutes as he looks to reestablish himself on a rebuilding roster.

Sharks Add Scoring Depth Up Front

Forward Philipp Kurashev, 25, arrives following a disappointing year in Chicago where he posted just 14 points in 51 games. However, the Swiss winger is just one season removed from a 54-point breakout, and the Sharks are betting he can rebound in a top-six role. Meanwhile, Adam Gaudette, 28, resurfaces in the NHL after a strong AHL season and a 19-goal bounce-back campaign with Ottawa. Both players add depth and scoring touch to a forward group that has struggled to generate consistent offense.

Nedeljkovic Deal Signals Goalie Reset

In a separate move, San Jose addressed its goaltending situation by trading for Alex Nedeljkovic, 29, from Pittsburgh. The veteran netminder brings playoff experience and recent offensive flair, having scored a rare goalie goal last season. With a one-year deal at $2.5 million, Nedeljkovic could compete for the starter’s role or help mentor San Jose’s young goalie prospects.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images