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.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.