Tagged: San Jose Sharks

02Oct

Ty Wishart(15) Bridgeport Sound Tigers

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No surprise former San Jose Sharks‘ 2006 1st round draft pick (#16 overall) defenseman Ty Wishart(15) was recently reassigned from New York Islanders‘ training camp to the team’s AHL affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Picked up in a trade last season from Tampa Bay, he played 20 games in the NHL (1 goal, 4 assists) and 20 in the AHL (0 goals, 9 assists) with the Sound Tigers.

The large-framed d-man (6’4″ 218 lbs.) seems to be still growing into his game. He mostly looked out of place in preseason games, so this is no surprise.

There’s still tons of potential here. He’s only 23 years old but he’s going to have to show it soon or his third team in 5 years pro or find himself playing in some league like the KHL.

17Sep

Mike Vernace(7) Tampa Bay Lightning / Norfolk Admirals

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I love stories like this one.  6th year pro, defenseman Mike Vernace(7) was a San Jose Sharks 7th round draft pick in 2004 (#201 overall) but never signed with the team. He eventually signed a one-year two-way deal with Colorado Avalanche and started his rookie season with Central Hockey League‘s Arizona Sundogs before moving up to the AHL with Albany River Rats.

He spent another couple of seasons in the Avalanche system and even got his first 12 NHL games under his belt in 2008-2009.

He wasn’t resigned for at the end of 2009 and signed with Atlanta Thrashers but didn’t appear in the NHL, although he played for two different AHL teams, first Chicago Wolves, then Hamilton Bulldogs, where he got his first playoff experience

Last year he signed a free agent deal with Tampa Bay Lightning, played 10 more games in the NHL and got an assist, his first point in the show.

In 2011/2012 he’ll be back for his second season in the Lightning system.

 

 

15Sep

Chad Wiseman(19) New Jersey / Albany Devils

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Originally a San Jose Sharks‘ 8th round draft pick in 2000 (#246 overall), wing Chad Wiseman(19) enters his 11th pro season and third with New Jersey Devils‘ organization (2nd go round). He played 23 games in 2008/2009 with Lowell Devils.

Signing another one-year, two-way deal, this will his 2nd season with Albany. Last year he had 44 points (16 goals and 28 assists) in 48 games.

He’s played 9 games in the NHL (4 with the Sharks and 5 with New York Rangers) scoring 1 goal to go along with 1 assist.

If the Devils suck again this season, I could see him getting in a few games at the Pru.

29Aug

Jonathan Cheechoo(14) St. Louis Blues / Worcester Sharks

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After playing one season with Worcester Sharks (signed to successive pto’s with the team), former 2005-2006 NHL Rocket Richard Trophy winner with 56 goals while playing with San Jose, Jonathan Cheechoo(14) signed a one-year, two-way deal with St. Louis Blues that will likely see him report to their AHL affiliate Peoria Rivermen to start the ’11/’12 season.

The contract will earn him $600,000 if he plays with the Blues and $105,000 with the Rivermen. We wish the 31-year old best of luck at another crack in the NHL.  It is believed he signed with St. Louis because his chances are at least decent with the team.

23Aug

Michael Swift(16) High 1 / Worcester Sharks

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Undrafted center Michael Swift(16) comes off a disappointing 3rd pro season, being traded from Albany to Worcester in a minor league deal, as an unrestricted free agent. His signing options seemed somewhat limited with another team, which is surprising because just one year ago with Lowell Devils he looked to be breaking out and have good potential as a small-sized (5’9″) but skilled goal scorer.

What a difference a year makes. He skips the country and joins High 1 (along with Oren Eizenman) in the Asian League Ice Hockey for 2011/2012.

He’s still fairly young at age 24 and I would expect to see Swifty back in North America with another AHL team after a year or so away.

 

07Aug

Sean Sullivan(37) San Jose / Worcester Sharks

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Fan favorite and all around good guy, veteran defenseman Sean Sullivan(37) signed another one-year, two-way contract with San Jose.

In his four years since turning pro in 2007 with Phoenix Coyotes, he has yet to see any NHL action. He was the leading scorer with Worcester last season. Hopefully he gets a shot this year but he’s probably low on their depth chart and is seen as a leader for the guys in the AHL.

06Aug

Carter Hutton(30) Rockford Ice Hogs / Worcester Sharks

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Undrafted goaltender Carter Hutton(30) came off a whirlwind rookie year, where as the back-up for Worcester Sharks he played 22 games due to starting goalie Alex Stalock‘s year-ending injury. He also freakishly saw time with San Jose Sharks, when their back-up goalie went down with injury and with Stalock out too, there was only one guy left to turn to. He didn’t appear in any NHL games but likely took some shots in practice from a couple guys named Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.

The Sharks didn’t re-sign him for another season, as they kind of have a glut of goalie prospects in the system, but Rockford Ice Hogs did the right thing and signed him to an AHL contract.

Looks like he’ll be trading in that shark on top of his mask in for a hog next season. I can see it now.