Sharks Reach Deal With Nolan

Archived from 2000-01 season.

The sun shines brighter in San Jose today as the Sharks re-signed captain Owen Nolan, who has been holding out as a restricted free agent, to a new five-year contract with a club option for a sixth season.

"I'm happy about it. It's a big headache that's gone away," Nolan said. "It's frustrating to watch your teammates play without you."

Nolan was the Sharks' top scorer last season with 44 goals and 84 points. He was the only NHL player to score more than 40 goals, record more than 100 penalty minutes and have more than 200 hits.

The Sharks will not have their captain back in the lineup for a few more games. Nolan is still recovering from an off-season hernia surgery.

"I have no pain and the strength is good," Nolan said. "I haven't skated as hard so the endurance isn't there, but I have been lifting weights and mountain biking."

Signing Nolan was the last bit of unfinished business for the Sharks' front office. San Jose was the dark horse of last season's playoffs, knocking out St. Louis in the first round and many expect the Sharks to go even further this year.

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