After scoring 41 goals the past two seasons in Minnesota, Nolan had a chance to play a third with the Wild, but took a pass. Instead he pinned his hopes on being able to sign with San Jose — a more serious cup contender for one thing; his off-season home for another — as a free agent. But it didn’t go the way he wanted as the Sharks are opting to go with younger prospects such as Cameron Macintyre or Frazer Mclaren in the role Nolan would have filled. And by the time that was clear, the Wild had gone out and signed Eric Nystrom, Matt Cullen and John Madden — leaving no room for Nolan to return.