In addition to retaining nearly all of the prior season's players, Lombardi traded for forward Niklas Sundstrom and signed gritty right winger Scott Thornton.
These moves paid dividends immediately, as the Sharks' offense continued to function well despite injuries to key forwards Owen Nolan and Vincent Damphousse.
The Sharks also benefited from the strong play of Patrick Marleau, who set career highs in goals (25), assists (27), and points (52) in his fourth season with the team.
Late in the 2000–01 season, the team traded Shields and struggling star Jeff Friesen to Anaheim for superstar forward Teemu Selanne.
In making the trade, the Sharks sought to establish themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders for the first time in franchise history.