- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage for the 2021-22 season. 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.
The Sharks' search for a new general manager is finally about to enter the next phase.
“After lengthy interviews of 4-6 hours each with a dozen candidates, San Jose will cut the list of candidates down this upcoming week and continue with the next step in their process,” Pierre LeBrun tweeted today.
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Initially, Sharks president Jonathan Becher had projected four to five “real serious” candidates by the end of May.
It’s possible that the Sharks have been waiting for GM candidates whose current employers are still in the NHL playoffs. Some teams prefer that their employees interview for jobs elsewhere closer to when their season is over.
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This might apply to prospective candidates like Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM Mathieu Darche, Colorado Avalanche assistant GM Chris MacFarland, New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin and Rangers Hockey Operations advisor Mike Grier.