Sharks Ink Center Michal Handzus

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San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed unrestricted free agent forward Michal Handzus to a two-year contract.

Handzus, 34, appeared in all 82 regular season games for Los Angeles last season and posted 30 points (12-18=30). He led all Kings forwards in shorthanded time on ice per game, averaging 2:24 on the fourth best penalty kill team in the NHL. He led the team in faceoffs taken and finished with a 51.9% faceoff percentage. He also had the second best shootout percentage on the Kings, converting 44.4% of his chances (4/9). In six playoff games against San Jose, he posted two points (1-1=2).

Handzus is a strong two way player, but it’s his size and attention to defense that makes him stand apart from a lot of other NHLers.

“He’s played against a lot of the top guys head-to-head and we think he is a very good addition for us,” Wilson said. “He is one of the top penalty killing forwards in this League and has the ability to play in any situation.”

That is not to say Handzus is not without his offensive talents as he posted a 20 goal campaign as recently as two seasons ago.

“He can play in all areas and has shown he can score goals in this league,” Wilson said. “He also scores big goals and can go to the front of the net on the power play.”

Over the last four seasons with Los Angeles, Handzus has appeared in 327 out of a possible 328 contests registering 135 points (57-78=135). In his 12-year NHL career, he has posted 435 points (172-263=435) in 844 career games played with Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and St. Louis. He has added 32 points (11-21=32) in 72 postseason games, appearing in the playoffs eight times.

“A true professional. He trains very hard,” Wilson stated. “Takes very good care of himself and we think he fits very well with this group and what we’re looking for.”

The six-foot-four, 220-pound native of Banska Bystrika, Slovakia was originally selected by St. Louis in the fourth round (101st overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

“We obviously know this player very well having played against him,” Wilson began. “He is a very good hockey player. He’s big, responsible and a very good penalty killer.”

[ThrowdownSJ408]

nice!

[bengino]

2 years 5 mill... not all that bad if he can keep his production i think it's one of the better signings of the day.

[lakingsfan19]

He was a good shutdown center and wins faceoffs. He was great in the room and was liked by everyone on the Kings. His intelligence for the game is second to none. Clifford said he was the best option to teach him how to be a pro and play the game the right way.

That being said, Zues is really slow and the Game is starting to pass him up.

Good luck Zues in SJ.

[NickDoh]

Just wasn't anymore room for him in LA. SUCKS, he stayed in the Pacific. One of the quiet guys that just goes out there and does his job and does it well. I'm always a fan of a defensive forward. Gonna be hard seeing another former King in teal.

Jonathan Quick (via Twitter):

"san jose's PK got better today, i think zus blocked more shot than i did this year, best of luck this year"