San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks have made a move to reinforce their goaltending pipeline, announcing the signing of unrestricted free agent goaltender Jakub Skarek to a one-year contract valued at $775,000. The signing, made official on Thursday, July 10, 2025, adds a 25-year-old netminder with recent NHL and considerable AHL experience to the Sharks organization.
Skarek, originally a third-round pick (72nd overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, spent the past season primarily with the Islanders` American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders. In 22 AHL appearances, he posted a record of 5-13-1 with a 3.52 goals-against average (GAA) and an .884 save percentage (SV%), including one shutout.
While his AHL statistics from the previous campaign might not immediately leap off the page, Skarek did make his NHL debut with the New York Islanders during the same season. His brief two-game NHL stint resulted in an 0-1-0 record, a 3.94 GAA, and an .872 SV%. These numbers offer a realistic snapshot of his first taste of the top league.
Sharks General Manager Mike Grier commented on the acquisition in a team release:
Jakub has a plethora of professional experience in net at just 25 years old. He is a big, athletic goaltender with a lot of compete in his game.
Grier`s description highlights attributes teams typically seek in goaltending prospects and depth options: size, athleticism, and a competitive drive. The “plethora of professional experience” at 25 years old is certainly accurate, given his substantial time spent honing his skills in the AHL since turning pro.
For the Sharks, currently navigating a period of roster transition and rebuilding, a signing like Skarek`s represents a pragmatic step. It secures depth at a crucial position without a significant financial commitment. Given the terms and his recent performance trajectory, Skarek is likely expected to provide stability and competition within the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks` AHL affiliate. Should injuries or performance dictate, he offers a readily available option with recent, albeit limited, NHL experience.
The acquisition of Skarek is a quiet but necessary move to ensure organizational depth between the pipes as the team continues to build for the future.