2014 Stanley Cup Champion Winger Signs with the Sharks
Even though the Colorado Avalanche eliminated the Winnipeg Jets from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round, veteran winger Tyler Toffoli remained a valuable contributor and a dangerous scorer. Toffoli was acquired by the Jets to bolster their scoring depth following his trade from the New Jersey Devils to the team at last season's trade deadline. Toffoli scored nine goals, four assists, and thirteen points for the Jets during the regular season and postseason, proving his impact on the Jets' success. It was anticipated that numerous clubs looking to bolster their scoring depth for the upcoming season and beyond would pursue Toffoli when he entered free agency this offseason. Now, the San Jose Sharks have signed Toffoli to a four-year deal, worth $24 million.
The Los Angeles Kings selected the 32-year-old Toffoli in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft. The 12-year NHL veteran, who spent four seasons with the Ottawa 67's in the OHL, was a highly sought-after prospect after posting impressive stats of 163 goals, 170 assists, and 333 points. Toffoli made an immediate impression on a Kings team that was determined to win it all during his first full season in the NHL in 2013–14. With an assist on former Kings defenseman Alec Martinez's Stanley Cup game-winning goal against the Rangers in double overtime during Game Five of the Finals, Toffoli helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup. Toffoli recorded 139 goals, 151 assists, and 290 points during his eight-year stay with the Kings.
Toffoli, who has been a member of the Canucks, Canadiens, Flames, Devils, and Jets since 2020, has continued to put up impressive stats since leaving Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Toffoli has won several awards in both the AHL and NHL. In 2013, after making the All-Rookie team in his first season within the Kings' organization, he scored 28 goals in 58 games for the AHL affiliate Manchester Monarchs. With Toffoli, who can outsmart his opponents in a variety of ways, the Sharks have signed a versatile talent for next season. Going into 2024–25, the Sharks and Toffoli will have high hopes because of the increased depth in the scoring department that Toffoli provides.
