Stefan Noesen is coming back to the Sharks for another season.
The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract, which multiple outlets reported is worth $925,000, to return to San Jose on Friday.
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“Stefan came in here last season and made a pretty seamless transition both on and off the ice,” general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement Friday. “He plays the game with a high tempo and energy and isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates. We think he fits well with how we want our team to play and are happy he is returning to San Jose.”
The Sharks claimed Noesen off waivers last December. He scored eight points (seven six, two assists) in 34 games, averaging 11:50 per game. With Noesen on the ice in 5-on-5 situations, San Jose generated 54.42 percent of the expected goals. That was the fourth-highest mark among players who played at least 100 full-strength minutes.
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Noesen quickly became a fan favorite, choosing "Hakuna Matata" from "The Lion King" as his goal song when the Sharks allowed their players to pick their own. Wilson said Friday on a conference call with reporters that forward Melker Karlsson "probably" won't return to San Jose, and Noesen could take his place as a fourth-line winger who coach Bob Boughner can move up the lineup as necessary.
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"Stef Noesen can go up and play many different roles," Wilson said, describing the Sharks' hope to have internal competition for depth roles. "So if you've got a (Dylan) Gambrell, or (Noah) Gregor or somebody playing in a third-line role, if they're not doing it, Stef can come in and support and go up in the lineup."