Wallin Approves Of Move To San Jose
Just like when Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson went after Dan Boyle, Niclas Wallin also had a no-trade clause in his contract. And just like Boyle, Wallin waived the no-trade to join San Jose.
“I’m excited and looking forward to joining the Sharks,” said Wallin. “I got a phone call and was asked if I wanted (to go). This is like winning the lottery. This team has everything.”
Wallin has won a Stanley Cup and coming to the Western Conference leading Sharks was a main reason he was willing to change uniforms from the only one he’s ever worn.
“I want to win championships and (the Sharks) are one of the best teams this year,” said Wallin. “I opened my contact to come here.”
Even though San Jose was the team of choice, Wallin acknowledged leaving his only NHL home would be difficult.
“They brought me here,” said Wallin. “Probably the toughest part was getting off the last flight. It’s been a long, good ride.”
Wallin’s experience with Sharks players is pretty much limited to fellow Swede Douglas Murray as the two have played in a World Championship tournament together.
“I know him from that tournament,” said Wallin. “He’s an easy going guy and I’m the same way.”
The two struck up a friendship from the international experience and have stayed in contact.
“I’m way up north so I don’t see him in the summer, but we do talk and call each other,” said Wallin. “He’s going to be a large help for me for the first month.”
Wallin is rather matter of fact with his game and doesn’t try to be something he isn’t, having no problem being considered a very valuable role player.
“I’m a 10-year NHLer and I must be doing something right,” said Wallin. “I’m a hard worker, play a simple game and try to do the same things every night. I like to play a physical game.”
Wallin already had a conversation with Wilson before speaking to the media.
“We talked and he said ‘just come in and do your thing,’” said Wallin.
Wallin was scheduled to join the Sharks in Toronto for the third game of the current six game road trip.
Ironically, with the club being on the road, and then the Olympic break, Wallin may not set foot in San Jose until NHL teams are able to resume practicing near the end of the Olympics.
