Sharks goaltender Martin Jones won't just enter the season with a different paycheck, the result of entering the first year of a five-year, $34.5 million contract extension that he signed last July. He'll also have a new mask.
Toronto-based artist Steve Nash unveiled a look at Jones' mask design for the upcoming season Monday morning on Twitter. The design again features San Jose's secondary logo but with some subtle differences.
You know hockey season is getting close when you start seeing teasers! 🏒👏🏻🙏🏻
Here's a peek at Martin Jones' new 2018-19 @SanJoseSharks goalie mask.
🎨🖌 Hand painted/airbrushed by Steve Nash of @Eyecandyair on a @VaughnHockey/@Progoalie pic.twitter.com/E8c8ex9Gs6— EYECANDYAIR (@Eyecandyair) July 16, 2018
Eagle-eyed mask afficionados will notice a couple of tweaks. First, there now are two sharks on the side, compared to only one last season. Those sharks boast orange eyes seen on the back of his mask last season.
For comparison, here's a look at Jones' mask from last year.
Fresh paint 🖌🎨 Martin Jones new 2017-18 @SanJoseSharks #goaliemask. Airbrushed by Steve Nash of @Eyecandyair (on a @VaughnHockey/@Progoalie) pic.twitter.com/G7N2KPBtes— EYECANDYAIR (@Eyecandyair) September 28, 2017
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The 28-year-old netminder is entering his fourth season in San Jose's crease. Jones posted a .915 save percentage in 60 regular-season starts and followed that with a .928 in 10 postseason starts as the Sharks advanced to the second round.
We'll get our best look at Jones' new mask in action when training camp opens in mid-September, and, assuming he plays, in a game as soon as the Sept. 18 preseason opener against the Ducks.