San Jose Sharks re-sign Henry Thrun to two-year, $2 million contract

The San Jose Sharks announced the team has re-signed defenseman Henry Thrun to a two-year contract, worth $1 million average annual value.

Thrun, 23, recorded 11 points in 51 games with the Sharks last season. The 6-foot-2 190-pound blueliner averaged 19:59 of ice-time per game, which included 1:41 shorthanded, ranking him fourth on the team among defensemen. Thrun finished his rookie campaign with 48 shots, landing 26 hits and blocking 71 shots. He’ll look to remain a staple in the Sharks top two pairings next season.

The Southborough, MA native is a Harvard University alum and put some up serious points in college. Thrun posted 31 points in 33 games in his final season with Harvard, before joining the Sharks in March of 2023, where he’d go on to dress in eight games. He’ll look to continue his strong two-way game and is hopeful this bridge deal could lead to a longer-term and more lucrative contract in San Jose.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier commented on Thrun’s development via a team statement, “Henry has been a reliable addition to our defense corps since he joined the organization. We are encouraged by his development since he came to San Jose and look forward to seeing him continue to grow his game with our club.”

With Thrun locked in, Grier has restricted free-agent forward Thomas Bordeleau left to sign, in what’s been a very busy offseason for the Sharks exec. Grier drafted Macklin Celebrini first overall to kick off his summer and made a splash in free agency, signing veteran forwards Tyler Toffoli and Alex Wennberg. Grier also claimed former Shark Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers, in a transaction which certainly turned some heads around the league.

Grier continues his offseason with just over $13 million remaining in cap space, as he looks to point his young team in the right direction. The Sharks finished 2023-24 dead last in the NHL after a 19-54-9 record. With a flurry of young talent on the way, there’s much brighter days ahead for Sharks fans in sunny California.