Gomez was recently bought out of his contract by the Montreal Canadiens after falling out of favor with the storied franchise.  Gomez produced just 2 goals and 9 assists last season for the Habs while limited to just 38 games.  It was hardly the type of production the Canadiens had envisioned when they acquire Gomez and his bulky salary back in 2009.  Over the three seasons he spent in Montreal, the Alaska native saw his point production diminish considerably every year, eventually leading to the team telling him to stay home prior to training camp earlier this month.

LeBrun points out that the Canadiens are still on the hook for paying Gomez his pro-rated salary of $5.5 million for this season along with 2/3 of next year’s $4.5 million.

The Sharks have a connection with Gomez as associate coach, Larry Robinson was the New Jersey Devils head coach when Gomez was playing for the team that drafted him.

It is expected that Gomez will center the Sharks third line and will bring yet additional veteran presence to an already deep and talented Sharks club.

San Jose picked up their second win in as many games to open the season on Tuesday, easily defeating the Edmonton Oilers in their home opener by a 6-3 margin.  The Sharks set a club record by scoring six goals in the opening period and clearly let off the gas for the final forty minutes.

#23 Scott Gomez skates with the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgray, AB, Canada January 20, 2013. Mandatory credit: Kevin Kurz/San Jose Sharks.

Today Unrestricted Free Agent Scott Gomez continues to be evaluated by the San Jose Sharks.  Yesterday, forward Scott Gomez participated of the morning skate practice in Calgray with the teams healthy scratches.  In addition, Gomez took part in his first full practice session with the Sharks in Edmonton as San Jose will be wrapping up their quick two game road trip in Canada.  A decision has yet to be made on his status with the organization, but the final verdict could come as early tomorrow before San Jose takes on the Oilers.

The main objective for Scott Gomez and the Sharks is to make sure that he is at game shape before Doug Wilson takes a chance on him.  Gomez was recently bought out by the Canadiens before he could finish the two final years he had left on that contract.  The big question for the organization is where to fit Scott into the lineup.

As of today the Sharks are at full strength with 23 players on their roster.  The centerman is however known for his playmaking skills and could find a home on the teams third line with both Galiardi and Wingels as potential linemates.  For the past few seasons, San Jose has had major issues with secondary scoring and the addition by Gomez could very well help solve that outstanding issue.  If he does happen to center the third line, Michal Handzus would get bumped down to the fourth line and alternate with Adam Burish who is the current centerman there.

Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan took notice of Gomez today at practice.

****“For me, the fitness test is, can he keep up in practice right now? If you can’t, you’re not fit,” McLellan said. “From what I’ve seen – today was the first day he skated with us – he looked quick. The effort level in practice was strong.”****

****Link to quote: http://www.csncalifornia.com/blog/kevin-kurz/sharks-notes-gomez-skates-again-stuarts-second-debut****

Current Associate Coach Larry Robinson and Scott Gomez share a connection from their days with the New Jersey Devils organization.  Gomez and Robinson won two Stanley Cups together in 2000 and 2003.  So a change in scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for Gomez.

During the lockout he suited up for his hometown team the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.  With the Alaska Aces, he played 11 games and recorded six goals and seven assists along with 12 penalty minutes to his credit.

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Gomez was bought out of his $7.3 million dollar contract by the Montreal Canadiens last week and was declared a free-agent after he cleared waivers.  He’s been tied to the Sharks for the past several days since the buyout despite having interest from multiple other clubs including the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils.

Gomez has played for three different clubs throughout his twelve year career and enjoyed his best season while in New Jersey during the 2005-06 season when he scored 33 goals and 84 points.

The Anchorage, Alaska native was traded from the New York Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens on June 30, 2009 for Chris Higgins and Ryan McDonagh.

But Gomez would never live up to the contract or the hype in Montreal as he watched his point production decrease every year over the three years he was there.  Last season he scored just 2 goals and added 9 assists, good for just 11 points in 38 games.

He was instructed by the new Montreal management to not report to camp when the lockout was lifted with the intent of buying him out.

The Sharks, an already veteran team are on the verge of what many are calling their last year to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup with the crew they have in tact.  Adding Gomez gives them an additional veteran presence, not that they need it.

With a deal evident, we’ll keep you posted right here at Too Many  Men on the Site.