SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Michal Handzus and defenseman Jim Vandermeer on the opening day of free agency.
Handzus got a $5 million, two-year deal on Friday and Vandermeer got a $1 million, one-year contract.
The two moves fill needs as the Sharks were looking for a penalty killer for the third line and a physical defenseman to fill out their blue line after trading for All-Star Brent Burns last week.
Handzus led the Kings in short-handed ice time last season as Los Angeles had the fourth-best penalty killing unit.
Vandermeer is a rugged defenseman who gives the Sharks another option for their third defensive pairing, along with more offensive players like Jason Demers and Justin Braun.