The San Jose Sharks seem to view Chris Tierney’s 2016-17 season as a make-or-break year. A source told Friend of the Blog Kevin Kurz at NBC Sports California that the Sharks did not want to negotiate this summer. That’s why Tierney returned on a one-year, $735,000, the value of his qualifying offer.
The 2012 second round pick, who just turned 23 this July, spent time as the third, and fourth-line center last season. He performed much better in the latter role than the former, despite expectations he would seize the third line center position after a strong performance in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.