GM Wilson calls Moore ‘important, versatile piece'

Share

TAMPAThe San Jose Sharks have acquired the versatile, depth forward they have been looking for.

The Sharks traded for the Lightnings Dominic Moore shortly before their matchup with Tampa Bay on Thursday night. Moore did not suit up for the game, but left the arena to pack for the remainder of San Joses lengthy road trip. The Sharks were playing in their third of a nine-game trip, and its expected that Moore will make his debut on Friday night in Carolina.

San Jose also picked up a seventh round pick in the 2012 NHL draft in exchange for the second round pick in 2012 they originally acquired from Minnesota as part of the trade for Brent Burns last summer.

NEWS: Sharks get Dominic Moore from Tampa Bay

General manager Doug Wilson spoke to the media after the first period of the Sharks-Lightning game at the Tampa Times Forum.

The ingredients he brings to our team are versatility, speed, faceoff ability, penalty killing. Were very familiar with the player.

The penalty killing aspect could be especially beneficial to the Sharks, as Moore averages an even two minutes a game shorthanded. Although the Sharks PK unit has been steadily improving, will 39 kills in 45 chances since Jan. 4 (86.6 percent), adding Moore could allow them the opportunity to let players like Joe Pavelski or Logan Couture rest up on the bench rather than expunge energy while trying to defend an opposing power play.

When that theory was run by Wilson, he said: Its time management, and its minute management. Youre exactly right. Weve seen him a lot, and certainly his speed and how he kills penalties is similar to what we do.

Wilson mentioned that Sharks assistant coach Matt Shaw and director of pro scouting John Ferguson are both familiar with Moore, who has had stints in Minnesota and Toronto during his eight-year NHL career. Moore has also played for the Rangers, Penguins, Sabres, Panthers and Canadiens.

In 56 games with the Lightning this season, Moore has four goals and 15 assists for 19 points and 48 penalty minutes with a -10 rating playing mainly as their third line center. Moore has also spent time on the wing, and has a 1.1 million salary cap hit this season. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Could the Sharks try and sign him past this season?

Well see. Its all based on performance, and hes only 31 years of age. So, thats the thing, a player can come and understand what were trying to accomplish and well see where it goes, Wilson said.

The Sharks general manager sited moves by Stanley Cup finalists Boston and Vancouver last season as motivation to make the deal. The Bruins added defenseman Tomas Kaberle around the deadline, while Vancouver picked up Maxim Lapierre.

Historically, that type of player, the guys that teams picked up last year, thats what it costs when youre trying to add an important, versatile piece like that, he said of surrendering the second round pick.

Moore will wear uniform number 18.

Contact Us