San Jose Sharks Reassign Nikolay Goldobin to Worcester

Sep 23, 2014; Stockton, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left winger Nikolay Goldobin (82) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL Preseason game at the Stockton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks announced another move with their future in mind on Wednesday as 2014 first-round pick Nikolay Goldobin was reassigned to the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League (AHL).

#SJSharks reassign forward Nikolay Goldobin from @HIFKHockey to @WorcesterSharks. http://t.co/djoHSVEWxn
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 1, 2015

Goldobin, who stands five-foot-eleven and 180-pounds, is widely considered as San Jose’s top prospect. He spent time with the Sharks during the preseason before being assigned to HIFK of the Finnish league prior to the start of the NHL season.

Goldobin is an offensively-gifted winger who scored 11 goals and 10 assists in 38 games with HIFK this season, after posting 68 goals and 94 assists in two seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

It is now vital that the Worcester Sharks hang on to a playoff spot so young players such as Goldobin can continue to play and develop. Currently, Worcester sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference of the AHL with 10 games remaining (the top eight teams make the playoffs). Even though it might be the minor leagues, the playoff experiences in the AHL can only help a player such as Goldobin who could challenge for a roster spot in San Jose next year.

This is another step in building the future for this franchise and it’s imperative that Goldobin is able to play as many meaningful minutes as possible. With his offensive talents, this might be the only stint in Worcester for Goldobin during his career.