It's official: Sharks sign Ozolinsh

We all knew it was coming. Ever since Doug Wilson signed defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh (whose play can most flatteringly be described as "high-event") to a tryout contract in the preseason, it was apparent that the former Shark would inevitably make a return in teal.

It appears the inevitable has become reality, as the San Jose Sharks are reporting that Ozolinsh has signed a one-year contract with the team. Terms were not disclosed, but it's doubtful the salary is anywhere above league-minimum. This move, much like the Roenick signing, would be completely out of left field if not for the fact that we've known about the tryout contract for a while now. Douglas Murray and Rob Davison have been doing a fine job tying up the sixth defensive spot and in terms of offense from defense, the Sharks lead the league in that category a week ago.

While Matt Carle is enduring somewhat of a slump offensively, at least compared to his magnificent start last season, there really is no need (or room, for that matter) for Ozolinsh on this roster, but according to David Pollak, Ron Wilson is on record saying that the Latvian blueliner will start tonight against the Kings.

Sandis Ozolinsh?

I reported earlier that ex-Shark Mark Smith joined the New York Rangers training camp on a tryout basis. Ironically enough, former Ranger (who has also played for the Sharks, among other teams) Sandis Ozolinsh has been brought into Sharks camp on a tryout. The Latvian defenseman was last seen in the NHL this past season, playing 21 games for New York before riding the bench the rest of the way.

I honestly don't understand this move. Even if you disregard the rumors that Ozolinsh enrolled in the NHLPA's substance abuse program two seasons ago, the guy is a headcase. Yes, he owns the Sharks single-season record for goals and points by a defenseman, but not only is he no longer potent offensively, he is, as he has always been, a defensive liability. Now, it's certainly not given that he'll make the team and the good thing about a tryout contract is that it's noncommittal, but Ozolinsh is a known locker-room cancer and may disturb the chemistry of the Sharks' current defense corps. Then again, anything to push Alexei Semenov, Rob Davison and Doug Murray should be considered a good thing, so I can see where Doug Wilson is coming from in making this move. If anything else, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.