The San Jose Sharks didn’t just sign Nolan Allan to a contract extension on Tuesday. They wrote it in a way that protects them now and rewards him later.
It’s a two-year deal with an average annual value of $875,000 that runs through the 2027-28 season. But the structure is worth a second look. The first year is a two-way contract: $850,000 if he’s in the NHL, $300,000 if he’s in the AHL, with a $375,000 guarantee. The second year flips to a one-way deal at $900,000 no matter where he plays. That’s the kind of bridge contract that gives a young player something to work toward while the team keeps some cap flexibility.
Allan, 23, was about to hit restricted free agency without arbitration rights. The Sharks got this done before that process even started.
Where Did He Come From?
San Jose picked him up from the Blackhawks back in January 2026 in a trade that also brought Laurent Brossoit to the Sharks. Chicago got Ryan Ellis’ contract, prospect Jake Furlong, and a package of draft picks.
Allan spent the rest of last season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. He played 35 games and put up 14 points on two goals and 12 assists with 28 penalty minutes. Those 14 points were fourth-best among Barracuda defensemen. And his points-per-game rate basically doubled after he joined the organization.
He went on a three-game point streak from Jan. 24-31 with a goal and two assists. Between late January and mid-February, he picked up points in five of nine games. He also played two Calder Cup Playoff games.
Before the Trade
Allan came up through the Chicago system. He’s played 144 career AHL games total, with 11 goals and 32 assists across Rockford and San Jose. In nine career playoff games in the league, he’s contributed four points.
His NHL taste came during the 2024-25 season with the Blackhawks. He suited up for 43 games and racked up eight points on one goal and seven assists while averaging 15:08 of ice time per game. The minus-13 rating isn’t great, but playing for a rebuilding Chicago team probably explains some of that.
The Blackhawks drafted him 32nd overall in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Before pro hockey, Allan played 203 games in the WHL split between Prince Albert and Seattle. He had 79 points total and helped the Seattle Thunderbirds win the 2022-23 WHL championship. He put up 10 points in 19 playoff games that run and earned WHL Second All-Star Team honors plus a spot on the CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team.
Internationally, he played for Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championship and came away with two points in seven games. Oh, and they won gold.
Allan isn’t a flashy name. But the Sharks clearly see something worth investing in. And the way this contract is built, it gives him a real shot to prove it at the NHL level next season.
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