Sharks face challenges as free agency nears; what’s their approach?

SAN JOSE – Flush with salary cap space, the San Jose Sharks are eager to start building their lineup back up again after spending the past two or three seasons tearing some important parts of it away.

However, with NHL free agency beginning Monday, the Sharks’ continuing challenge is to convince the available players they covet to come to San Jose even though the team might be years away from contending for the postseason.

For the Sharks, that means sweetening deals with more money and term to get the players they want.