San Jose Sharks Season Review: Matt Tennyson
Feb 9, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Tennyson (80) controls the puck ahead of Calgary Flames center Josh Jooris (86) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Tennyson saw his first extensive action in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks during the 2014-15 season. Tennyson had an up-and-down season as he saw his fair share of action during the middle part of the season. However, after making 27 appearances, Tennyson finished the season with the Worcester Sharks even though San Jose struggled at the end of the year.
Now, Tennyson, who has one more year left on his contract with the Sharks, faces a big year in his professional development.
Tennyson began the year in Worcester, but was called up to San Jose for one game on November 26. He was then recalled on December 11 and featured prominently in the lineup during that period of time.
In his 27 games with the Sharks this season, Tennyson registered two goals and six assists, while being an even player. Tennyson, known as an offensive defenseman who can move the puck up the ice, had the second-best goals-for percentage on the Sharks, behind who else but Joe Pavelski, at 52.6 percent; however, San Jose controlled only 48 percent of the shot attempts while he was on the ice.
Despite featuring fairly prominently in San Jose, Tennyson was reassigned to Worcester on February 17 and never made it back up to the big club.
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The six-foot-two defenseman made 43 appearances in Worcester with for goals and 11 assists, while being a plus-seven. He failed to score and was a minus-three as Worcester fell in four games in the opening round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
Tennyson seems to be a player who general manager Doug Wilson has talked about developing, especially on defense. It will be intriguing to see if Tennyson gains more traction with the new coaching staff coming in. It would be a big boost to Tennyson’s confidence if he can make the Sharks roster out of training camp.
San Jose is in desperate need on the back end, and if Tennyson can’t make his move this upcoming season, then he probably won’t be back with the Sharks. Needless to say, Tennyson will be looking to make his imprint at the NHL level.