With the San Jose Sharks inching ever closer to long-term contention, it seems that the team has secured a key component of their project for the long run.
On Sunday, it was announced that the San Jose Sharks and veteran Alexander Wennberg had agreed on a three-year extension that will keep the Swedish center in the Bay Area for the next few seasons. The contract will run until the end of the 2028-29 regular season and will carry an annual cap hit of $6 million.
Throughout his career, Wennberg has been seen as a key depth piece for playoff rosters. In Columbus, three of Wennberg's six seasons with the team would see him put up at least thirty points, with his efforts continuing into the team's postseason appearances from the 2016-17 season to the 2019-20 season.
After a brief stint with the Florida Panthers, Wennberg joined the expansion side Seattle Kraken. As part of the Kraken, he would play a key part in the team's early success. Two of his three seasons with Seattle included 30+ point performances, while his second season with the team would see him contribute to their run to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
In the 2023-24 season, Alexander Wennberg would enjoy a brief stint with the New York Rangers. As a Ranger, he would help the team in securing the President's Trophy while also playing all sixteen of the team's postseason games that year.
Following the Rangers' run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2024, Wennberg would sign a contract with the San Jose Sharks. Since joining San Jose, Wennberg's performance would mirror that of his Seattle and Columbus years. In the 2024-25 season, Wennberg would score ten goals while tallying 25 assists. So far this season, he has helped push the Sharks back into playoff contention after a lengthy absence; his 26 points through 41 games played has him on pace for one of his best seasons in the NHL.
With the Logan Couture contract set to come off the books following the 2026-27 season, and with other players like Jeff Skinner and Ryan Reaves set to come off the books this season, the Sharks will be in position to complete more re-signings and roster additions over the course of the next few seasons. Should such moves be made, decisions like that of extending Wennberg could be key in the team's progress.
And when considering that franchise cornerstone Macklin Celebrini is enjoying a strong sophomore season, it's therefore possible to view San Jose as a force to be reckoned with for the long-term.