It was a quiet day news wise with the Sharks on the NHL’s annual free agent frenzy, but it was not a day without work. The Sharks have made progress in the contract negotiations with Rob Blake, Ryane Clowe and Kent Huskins. Per club policy, they won’t comment until a contract is signed and approved by the NHL.

Like many of the clubs on the opening day of free agency, they have a priority on keeping their own free agent players they desire for the opening night roster.

San Jose will continue to stick to their pattern of distributing the big money to the right players as they have shown in the past.

“Getting the right person at the right deal is paramount to moving forward,” said Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson. “Our history has shown we’re active in free agency with players like Rob Blake and in trades with Thornton and Boyle.”

Fans looking for an immediate transaction to shake up the Sharks roster will have to acknowledge that there is a long time left before the first puck is dropped on 2009-10.

Plus, having some flexibility under the NHL’s financial constraints could allow the Sharks to find some hidden gems if other clubs run into problems with the salary cap.

BOUCH TO PHILLY
The Sharks did see Brian Boucher move to Philadelphia as Team Teal is in contract talks with Swedish netminder Jonas Gustavsson and Worcester goalie Thomas Greiss had a strong push in the AHL playoffs.

“I’m very happy for him,” said Wilson. “He’s such a pro and we’re glad he got the contract he did. The same will happen for Mike Grier. They’ll get the opportunities they deserve.”