The San Jose Sharks organization made a move to bolster its goaltending reserves on Thursday, officially announcing the signing of unrestricted free agent goaltender Jakub Skarek. The 25-year-old Czech netminder inked a one-year contract valued at $775,000, a standard rate for adding depth at the professional level.
A Look at Skarek`s Background and Recent Performance
Skarek arrives in San Jose after spending several seasons within the New York Islanders system. Originally a third-round selection (72nd overall) by the Islanders in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, he has accumulated significant professional experience, primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL).
During the most recent 2024-25 season, Skarek saw limited action at the NHL level, appearing in two games for the Islanders where he posted an 0-1-0 record with a 3.94 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage. The bulk of his season was spent with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL, where he played 22 games, recording a 5-13-1 record, a 3.52 GAA, and an .884 save percentage, along with one shutout.
Management`s Perspective
Sharks General Manager Mike Grier commented on the signing in a team release, highlighting the qualities he sees in the incoming goaltender.
“Jakub has a plethora of professional experience in net at just 25 years old,” Grier stated. “He is a big, athletic goaltender with a lot of compete in his game.”
The Role in San Jose
This signing represents a low-risk, potentially moderate-reward move for the Sharks. Given the contract structure and Skarek`s AHL track record, he is likely projected to provide valuable depth for the organization, potentially serving as a primary goaltender for the San Jose Barracuda, the team`s AHL affiliate. His experience offers a reliable option for call-ups should the need arise in San Jose.
At 25, Skarek is still within an age range where goaltenders can continue to develop and refine their game. While his recent statistics might not jump off the page, the professional experience and physical attributes noted by Grier suggest the Sharks see potential for him to contribute to the organizational depth chart. The one-year term provides flexibility for both the player and the club.
Adding Skarek helps solidify the goaltending pipeline for the Sharks as they continue to navigate their roster construction, ensuring they have sufficient experienced options available throughout the season.
