The San Jose Sharks continue to build for a promising future as sellers this 2025 NHL trade deadline. Today, they announced the trade of dependable goaltender Vitek Vanecek. The veteran netminder has been dealt to the Florida Panthers. He will provide competent goaltending this time of season for a time in need of a little extra reassurance. As the season winds down, this type of trade makes sense for San Jose. Florida sends forward Patrick Giles to San Jose to complete the deal.
Solid Hockey Trade of Vitek Vanecek from the Sharks
Vitek Vanecek is a 29-year-old, native of Czechia who has proven to be a reliable NHL goalkeeper. He applied his craft for a while before getting his shot in the NHL. He spent three seasons with the AHL’s Hershey Bears and even his 20-year-old campaign in the ECHL. Since joining the NHL with the Washington Capitals back in 2020, he has been successful. He has a career 94-52-20 record with nine shutouts. That record is actually good for a .627 point percentage, quite impressive. Also, his GAA is 2.82 and SV% .903. This year, however, has hurt him statistically.
In just 18 games with the Sharks, he is 3-10-3 with a nearly four GAA and an .882 SV%. Moreover, what added to this year’s frustrations was he missed nearly two months of action before the 4 Nations break. Needless to say, even if it was somewhat expected amid a rebuild in the Bay Area, it still had been difficult for Vanecek. On the other hand, he should be well rested. Along with his experience and motivation to prove it was the team in front of him this year, things are trending positively in the fresh start.
What About San Jose
Regardless, with players like Macklin Celebrini, William Smith, and possibly a top pick again in 2025, the Sharks are built for the future. They need to make trades like this for their organization and they done well to pull it off.
Florida gets some added cover in goal after trading Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the Seth Jones deal.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
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