San Jose Sharks‘ 7th year veteran left wing Bryan Lerg(42) has accumulated 346 AHL games in his pro career but has been largely left out of the mix when it comes to the big league.
The small, listed at 5’10” 175 lbs. undrafted forward was originally signed to an entry level deal by Edmonton Oilers after a successful 4-year run with Michigan State University. He was assistant captain of their 2007 NCAA Championshipship as a junior.
After a couple of injury-marred seasons with affiliate Springfield Falcons he was left unqualified and headed off on an invite to Switzerland’s NLA but his time overseas lasted only a one contest for Geneve Servette before he returned signing a minor league contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
His time in Pennsylvania was fruitful as he produced career highs with 27 goals, 26 assists and 53 points in his 2nd campaign with the team.
Colorado Avalanche took notice and signed the unrestricted free agent to a one-year two-way deal, but he would spend all of his playing time with Lake Erie Monsters and served as captain to help their prospects in 2013/2014.
He would once again jump ship to explore other opportunities, signing for another one-year term with the Sharks.
Once again named captain he has helped lead the farm club Worcester Sharks in assists with a new best mark 28 and points; and helped solidify them as a tough to play against squad as they head towards the postseason for the first time in 5 years.
The 29-year old received his first shot at a game in the show, as the regular season wraps up and the parent club is out of the playoff picture and scored his first NHL goal, the game-winner in his debut.
There is every reason to believe he will be retained to stay where he is for another season as the team moves to its new home as San Jose Barracuda.
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