San Jose Sharks still in the mix for Alexander Kerfoot

The San Jose Sharks are in the running to land unrestricted free agent Alex Kerfoot. TSN insider Darren Dreger confirmed that the 23 year old center has narrowed down his list to five teams on Tuesday.

Vancouver has the advantage of being Kerfoot’s hometown. Reportedly, Kerfoot had a “productive meeting” with the Canucks last week, but has yet to make a decision. The New York Rangers are also looking like strong contenders, undoubtedly assisted by their signing of fellow Harvard alumnus, Jimmy Vesey, last summer.

Kerfoot was drafted by the Devils in the fifth round, 120th overall, in 2012. Since then, he has played for Harvard in the NCAA Division I. After Jimmy Vesey graduated, Kerfoot stepped up as captain. As a senior, he led the team in assists (29) and scored 45 points in 36 games. Nearly following in Vesey’s footsteps, he was a top ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which recognizes the top player in NCAA Division I hockey.

The Sharks may not be a perfect fit for Kerfoot. Being over-loaded with center depth, he might not get a shot at NHL ice time as quickly as with other clubs who are showing interest. But of the five teams on Kerfoot’s list, the Sharks have made the most recent Stanley Cup Final appearance, and that’s likely a major draw.

Kerfoot is expected to make a decision this week.