- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
It wasn’t an easy negotiation, from what I understand.
The San Jose Sharks were tight against the cap, Mario Ferraro wanted to sign for a long time. So they met in the middle.
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“There’s always some anxiety and a little bit of stress because it is my job and it’s something I’m very passionate about,” the RFA told San Jose media after his four-year, $13 million contract was announced. “But it went as it should always go. These things take time and I understand that.”
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Complicating negotiations? On one hand, Ferraro was named alternate captain of the Sharks in just his third season. He’s also proven to be a minutes-muncher: Ferraro is one of just nine defensemen, 23 or younger, who averaged 23 or more minutes a night last year. It’s a who’s who of star young blueliners: Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Dahlin, Moritz Seider, Charlie McAvoy, Adam Fox, and Jakob Chychrun.