Sharks re-sign Nichol, Wallin

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed center Scott Nichol and defenseman Niclas Wallin. Both could have become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Nichol, 35, established new career highs in points (19), assists (15) and games played (79) in 2009-10. He finished first in the NHL in faceoff percentage (60.6%) and 12th in the League in hits (226). He made his Sharks debut Oct. 1 at Colorado.

Prior to last season, Nichol had spent the last four seasons with the Nashville Predators. In 43 games during the 2008-09 season, Nichol posted 10 points (4-6=10) with 41 penalty minutes.

"We knew when we brought Scott in last season that he was ultra-competitive," said Wilson. "Not only did he meet that expectation, but he also brought a very business-like mentality to the rink each night, stepping up as a leader and an important centerman for us."

Wallin, 35, is a 10-year NHL veteran and won a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. He posted seven assists and 49 penalty minutes in 70 games with San Jose and Carolina this season and finished 16th among all NHL defenseman with 175 hits. Wallin was acquired from Carolina, along with a fifth round pick in the 2010 NHL draft, on Feb. 7 in exchange for a second round pick in 2010 (from Buffalo).

In 540 NHL games, he has collected 71 points (18 goals, 53 assists) and 414 penalty minutes.

"Niclas is a physical veteran presence and will help solidify our blueline," stated Wilson. "We were proud of the way he battled through a tough injury during the playoffs and are looking forward to having him at full health."

Wallin has added eight points (three goals five assists) and 34 penalty minutes in 75 Stanley Cup Playoff games and has appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals series. All three of his post-season goals are overtime game-winners. He also represented his native Sweden at the 2008 World Championships, where he picked up four points (two goals, two assists) and 33 penalty minutes in 7 games.

The Sharks also re-signed center Andrew Desjardins, who set career highs in goals (19), assists (27) and points (46) while appearing in all 80 Worcester games in 2009-10. He finished second on the team and with a career best 126 penalty minutes and was also second on Worcester in plus/minus (+29).