Goaltender Magnus Chrona signs entry-level deal with San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have signed goaltender Magnus Chrona to a two-year entry-level contract with an AAV of $925,000.

The deal will kick in for the 2023-24 NHL season.

Chrona recently finished his senior season at the University of Denver, recording a 22-9-0 record with four shutouts and a .916 save percentage in 32 games. One of Denver’s most important players throughout his college run, Chrona has a 73-34-5 record with a .914 save percentage as one of the NCAA’s best goaltenders in that span. He helped Denver win the NCAA national title in 2022 and was named to the all-tournament team for his exploits down the stretch.

Drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018, Chrona was traded to the Sharks on April 12, 2021 in exchange for depth defenseman Fredrik Claesson. He was named to the NCHC’s academic all-conference team and was an NCHC distinguished scholar-athlete prior to the trade.

Chrona will give the team some decent goaltending depth next season. James Reimer and Aaron Dell are UFAs, while Eetu Makiniemi and Strauss Mann are in the final years of their ELCs. Chrona is the only goalie outside of starter Kaapo Kahkonen that’s signed for 2023-24 at the time.

At 6-foot-6, Chrona brings a big frame and a ton of confidence to the team. Chrona should at least start the year in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda but could play his way into more regular duty down the line. Tge Sgarjs will also have to make a decision soon on Benjamin Gaudreau, the team’s third-round pick in 2021. The Sharks hold his rights until June 1, 2023, and he’ll return to the NHL Draft if he’s left unsigned. San Jose also holds Mason Beaupit’s rights until 2024.