San Jose Sharks‘ 3rd year defenseman Jacob Middleton(67) proves that hard work can pay off for a 1st NHL recall.
He skated a conservative 7 shifts for 5:02 total ice time with one play break up and was a -1 plus/minus in a 5-2 victory.
Returned after a week up in the show, he was again recently summoned and will likely make another appearance soon.
The fairly large 6’3″ 210 lbs. blue liner was originally a Los Angeles Kings‘ 7th round pick in the 2014 draft (#210 overall) but remained unsigned despite putting together a few 20+ assist campaigns for Ottawa 67’s of the OHL.
His first contract would be a minor league deal with San Jose Barracuda.
Known as more of a stay-at-home style d-man, he scored a goal and 8 assists in 50 AHL games with a very accountable +11 rating.
This effort gained notice of the parent club, who signed him to a three-year entry level deal as the 2017/2018 season approached.
He was quickly named an assistant captain (he was a captain in his final year of juniors) and would go on to grab a career high 6 goals and 22 assists in his sophomore run.
The 23-year old is proving to be a steady hand for the farm club with 2 goals and 10 assists in 29 games with a new best +14 rating but will have to up his game to earn a more permanent spot at the highest level.