Sharks Re-Sign Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff

[Thrillhouse]

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has re-signed Group II restricted free agent defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to a three-year deal.

Ehrhoff finished the 2007-08 season with 22 points (1-21=22) in 77 games, good for third among Sharks blueliners. He led the team in blocked shots (108) and was tied for sixth on the team in assists. Ehrhoff played in his 200th National Hockey League game on Nov. 2 vs. Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old also played in 10 playoff games, recording five assists and 14 penalty minutes. Ehrhoff averaged just over 23 minutes of ice time, despite being hampered by an injured ankle.

“Christian is an extremely competitive person and we’ve liked his development as a player,” said Wilson. “He got injured late in the regular season and showed a great deal of heart by playing through the playoffs. We expect him to continue to get better and be a big contributor for this organization.”

Ehrhoff made his NHL debut in 2003-04 and is eighth on the all-time Sharks list among defensemen in points (17-73=90) in 264 regular season games. He has also added 15 points (2-13=15) in 32 career playoff games.

The six-foot-two, 205-pound native of Moers, Germany was selected by San Jose in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

[Mike Kole]

Good to see this re-signing. The defense needed upgrading, not complete scrapping.

I'm still trying to picture where the parts are going to fit. Obviously Boyle will lead the pp, maybe Ehrhoff will pair with him?

[MattBurger]

Good signing by the Sharks. Not counting Campbell, Ehrhoff was San Jose's best all-around defenseman last season.

[hockeyfighter20]

Originally Posted by Mike Kole

Good to see this re-signing. The defense needed upgrading, not complete scrapping.

I'm still trying to picture where the parts are going to fit. Obviously Boyle will lead the pp, maybe Ehrhoff will pair with him?

should be good, a left and a right hand shot.

[Jensen]

Great signing. He was the Sharks best all-around defenseman last season and should get some PP time with Blake on the 2nd unit.

[Podollan]

its good to hear that some germans are doing well in the NHL.