Sharks Give Jason Demers Extension

It appears the San Jose Sharks are content to solve their defensive deficiencies internally. Jason Demers signed a 2-year deal worth $2.5-million.

Last season Demers gave Sharks fans a taste of the offensive potential he has from blue-line, which will be even more vital this year if the roster remains as is.

Demers enjoyed a surprising rookie campaign last season posting 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in just 51 games. That was good for fourth among rookie defenseman. He added five more points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the playoffs.

Whether it’s a good thing or not, Demers will be the Sharks second-most prolific offensive threat from the blueline behind Dan Boyle this coming season. He’s a very good skater and showed last season that he enjoys jumping into the play; even as low as behind the net at times.

With Rob Blake’s retirement he will no doubt be asked to pickup most of the power-play minutes and play more minutes 5-on-5 as well. Even as a second-year player its safe to assume he’ll play a more prominent role than either Kent Huskins or Nicklas Wallin.

Playing alongside Marc-Edouard Vlasic would be a great complement. Considering that Vlasic’s forte is his defense, Demers wouldn’t be exposed as much for his defensive lapses and shouldn’t be hesitant to jump into the rush more often.

After the season, Demers mentioned learning a lot from Blake in his first season with the Sharks. If he continues to learn from Boyle in the same way his offensive production could reasonably be in the 30-45 point range on this team.

One thing in particular that Demers could really learn from Boyle is how to use his skating ability.

Boyle’s strong two-way play as a defenseman is created by him using his attributes to their full extent. He doesn’t just use his skating ability to join the play or lead rushes. He uses it to get back into position without leaving his partner out to dry on odd-man rushes and stay with players in the defensive zone.

This move also ensures that the Sharks want Demers to be part of their future plans. If he taps into the potential the Sharks see him achieving then this deal will end up being a bargain.