Sharks Sign Claude Lemieux

Claude Lemieux signed a minor deal with the San Jose Sharks’ AHL affiliate this week after being out of the league for five years. So what does this mean for the Sharks on the ice? Probably nothing. Lemieux is 43-years-old and it is doubtful that he will play well enough to be called up to a team that has need for very little. However, if Lemieux is able to get his legs back under him and show even shades of what made him the great player he was for 18-years there are plenty of teams who could use even an aged Claude Lemieux. In the meantime it seems to me that San Jose really has little to lose by signing Lemieux; his salary will not be very high and he offers priceless experience to his young teammates in Worcester. Lemieux brings with him the experience of playing in a ton of playoff games, four Stanley Cup rings, and a Conn Smythe Trophy to boot. These young players can get a unique prospective from someone who has been there, been very successful and will be able to not just tell them the “right” thing to do but actually show them on the ice. Generally speaking someone Lemieux’s age would be a coach on a team like this and not a player. This gives San Jose’s up-and-coming players an incredible experience which will aid in the Sharks’ efforts for continued, long-term success. All-in-all it is a win-win for every party involved; so while many may be skeptical of the move I am totally in favor of it.