Sharks Trade Vitek Vanecek to Panthers for Patrick Giles

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a pivotal move in the NHL, the San Jose Sharks traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday in exchange for forward Patrick Giles. This transaction comes just days after the Panthers also traded goalie Spencer Knight, highlighting their shifts in team strategy as they prepare for the postseason.

Vanecek, 29, has had a challenging season with the Sharks, recording a 3-10-3 record through 18 appearances, along with a 3.88 goals-against average and an .882 save percentage. The Czech native joined the Sharks last March in a trade with the New Jersey Devils but struggled to find consistency in San Jose’s net amid the team’s rebuilding efforts.

The Sharks hope to benefit from this trade as they bolster their roster with Giles, 25, who has primarily played in the AHL this season. Giles tallied seven points (five goals, two assists) in 39 games for the Charlotte Checkers and appeared in nine NHL games for the Panthers, where he did not register any points.

“We believe Patrick can bring valuable skill to our lineup,” said Sharks General Manager Mike Grier. “He’s shown promise in the AHL, and we’re excited to see how he develops here.”

In Vanecek’s absence, the Sharks called up goaltender Georgi Romanov from the AHL San Jose Barracuda. Romanov, 25, has limited NHL experience but possesses a solid record in the minors, which includes an 11-6-3 mark with a .905 save percentage this season.

Giles, a Chevy Chase, Maryland native, played four seasons with the Boston College Eagles and signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Panthers in June 2022. With the trade, he becomes one of only five players from Maryland to compete in the NHL, joining a small but proud group of Maryland-born players.

The trade was executed ahead of Vanecek’s impending free agency and saves the Sharks from retaining any of his $3.4 million cap hit. Florida’s need for a capable backup behind veteran starter Sergei Bobrovsky, who has a .906 save percentage this season, was critical as they continue their playoff push.

Vanecek’s performance has not met the expectations set during his previous seasons with the Devils and the Washington Capitals, where he maintained a .903 save percentage over his career. The Panthers will look for an improvement from Vanecek as they head into the latter part of the season, making this trade an essential step in solidifying their roster.