SAN JOSE—It was announced Tuesday, May 23 that the San Jose Sharks signed two unrestricted free agents from Europe: 24 year-old defenseman Radim Simek and 22 year-old forward Filip Sandberg.

Simek stands at 5'11" and weighs 205 pounds
Radim Simek, who signed a one-year contract with the Sharks, stands at 5’11” and weighs 205 pounds

Simek, a native of Benatky nad Jizerou, Czech Republic, posted 24 points (comprised of 11 goals and 13 assists) last season while playing for the Czech League’s Bili Tygri Liberec. His rankings include 1st place in the league in game winning goals (4) as well as in goals amongst blue liners. He is also listed at T-6th in points, 2nd in plus minus, and 3rd in time on ice per game with 23 minutes and 59 seconds.

Simek also attained two goals and six assists in 16 playoff games, ranking T-3rd in both points among defensemen and assists. His team reached the league final.

In 211 career games with the Czech leagues, Simek totaled 91 points (37 goals and 54 assists) and a plus-51 rating. He helped lead his team to a 2015-2016 championship win and was appointed MVP for a +13 rating, the best in the league. During the 2015-2016 postseason, Simek posted 10 points (3 goals and 7 assists) in 14 games.

Simek has ranked in the top 3 amongst defensemen in goal scoring in the past three regular seasons. He led the league this past season and was listed at T-3rd in 2015-2016, and T-1st in 2014-2015. In addition, he has represented the Czech Republic at a number of international tournaments such as both the 2016 and 2017 World Championships with one goal and one assist this year.

Sharks GM Doug Wilson has described Simek as a “quick transition defenseman who drives the play offensively and plays with a physical edge.” He added that team officials have taken a liking to Simek’s offensive instincts and that “his game will translate well in North America.”

Filip Sandberg
Filip Sandberg represented Sweden in both the 2013 and 2014 World Junior Championships, which earned the country a silver medal both years

Sandberg, who signed a two-year contract with the team, hails from Stockholm, Sweden, stands at 5 feet and 9 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds.

This past season with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League (with whom he made his debut in 2012), Sandberg attained 25 points (8 goals and 17 assists) and a plus-17 rating in 52 games.

Sandberg was listed at 6th on the team in points, 3rd in assists, 5th in hits (a total of 44), and 3rd amongst team forwards with 24 blocked shots.

Sandberg completed the playoffs with 14 points, ranking T-3rd in the league. These points were comprised of 6 goals and 8 assists, for which he ranked T-5th (in goals) and T-6th (in assists). He led his team in postseason points and assists.

In 204 SHL career games, Sandberg has attained 25 goals and 46 assists for a total of 71 points, along with a plus-8 rating. In 2013, he was appointed “Best Forward” in the U20 league.

“Filip is a very creative player who sees the ice well and can create offense in limited space. He plays a high-pressure, puck-pursuit game and his battle level is something we have been impressed with, especially against older players. We are excited for him to join our organization,” Wilson stated.