It’s official — the San Jose Sharks have signed center Jasper Weatherby to a two-year entry-level contract. The terms of the deal have not yet been reported and club policy is not to disclose player salaries, but the maximum amount for an ELC is $925,000, with a minors salary of $80,000. The Sharks selected Weatherby in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in the fourth round (102nd overall).
If you caught the Sharks’ Development Camp Scrimmage, then you may have noticed Weatherby on the ice. Not only did the 23-year-old notch an assist on Team Ricci’s equalizer goal that began a flood of offensive power in the second, but he had an explosive third period, complete with a goal of his own, his team’s second powerplay goal of the night.
Overall, it’s clear to see why the Sharks extended an offer to Weatherby after his impressive camp performance — strong shooting chances, good instincts in front of the net, and a solid end-to-end play that belies his flexibility and in-game decision-making capabilities.
His most recent experience in the NCAA is another indication of the kind of player the Sharks are bringing into the Shark Tank; one with leadership skills and grit. In the 2020-21 season, Weatherby served as an alternate captain for the University of North Dakota, where the Fighting Hawks won the NCHC Title and earned the first seed in the Fargo Division, eventually losing in the Regional Final of the NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament. Over 29 games, he collected 14 goals, 10 assists 8 penalty minutes, ending with a +7 rating, ranking fourth on the team in points and tying for second in goals.
“Jasper’s performance at our development camp showcased his offensive skill, as well as his ability to utilize his size and strength to consistently win faceoffs,” said Sharks general manager Doug Wilson in a release. “He was a top collegiate player last season and served in a leadership role for North Dakota on and off the ice. The ingredients he brings meshes well with the top young players who are emerging in our system. We would like to thank the North Dakota hockey program for all of their hard work in helping Jasper reach this stage of his career.”
We can’t wait to see what Weatherby brings to the ice for the Sharks’ organization.
This does put the Sharks at 51 of their allowed 50 contracts, however, four of those contracts could potentially slide to next season, depending on where Ozzy Weisblatt, Daniil Gushchin, Tristen Robins and, of course, Willam Eklund play in 2021-22.
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