"Scott Nichol and Jamal Mayers -- two fourth-line veterans who added energy and a physical style of play to the lineup -- won't be back with the Sharks next season.

Both of their contracts expire June 30 and general manager Doug Wilson disclosed Monday that neither fit in the team's future plans as San Jose begins its annual offseason of change, tweaking a talented roster in search of the right mix to finally secure a berth in the Stanley Cup finals.

In addition, Wilson revealed that assistant coach Trent Yawney, whose responsibilities included the team's defensemen and penalty kill, won't be returning for a fourth season. Yawney said he advised the Sharks he wanted to seek a head coaching job in the AHL in order to reach his ultimate goal of a second chance as an NHL head coach.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Nichol was an immediate fan favorite, both for his role as an agitator and his success in the faceoff circle during two seasons with the Sharks.

Speaking from his home outside Rochester, N.Y., Nichol said he was disappointed that he wouldn't be coming back to the Sharks, but appreciated the early notice and understood Wilson's intent to use a younger player in his role.

"I've got nothing to hang my head about. I gave it all I had," said Nichol, 36, who was limited by injuries and a suspension to 56 games last season and scored seven points. "Sometimes it's not enough, and it's time to move on."

Wilson identified Andrew Desjardins, who replaced the injured Nichol in three games in the third round of the playoffs, as his potential successor when training camp opens in September.

Mayers, 36, played one season with the Sharks, scoring three goals and 11 assists in 78 games. Signed as a free agent for his toughness, he had a team-high 124 penalty minutes that included 12 majors for fighting."