San Jose Sharks: Dylan DeMelo Searches For Breakthrough
Jan 29, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Barclay Goodrow (89) comes on the ice during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 6 to 3. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
On January 20, 2015, Dylan DeMelo got the news that every hockey player dreams of: he was being called up to the NHL. However, his first stint with the San Jose Sharks didn’t last too long as he was reassigned to the Worcester Sharks two days later.
While he would be called up again later in the season, he was never able to appear in an NHL game as he was an insurance plan should any other blue-liner go down.
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This year, DeMelo sees an opportunity for himself in San Jose as the Sharks have revamped their defensive corps with a new coaching staff coming in. With five of the spots locked in, the sixth and seventh defensive slots appear up for grabs between DeMelo, Mirco Mueller, Matt Tennyson and recently signed Mark Cundari.
DeMelo knows he will have to be on top of his game if he wants to relive the feeling of excitement of making it to the NHL.
DeMelo -- "A lot of guys can gain some equity again. Just cause you've been here for a year or 2, you need to reestablish yourself now."
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) July 9, 2015
DeMelo, who stands 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, was originally a sixth-round draft pick of the Sharks back in 2011. He’s spent the past two full seasons in Worcester where he’s appeared in 133 games with seven goals and 39 assists. Former Worcester and current Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer believes the steady-going DeMelo could be poised to make some noise with the Sharks next year.
Sommer on DeMelo "I think he's looked really good. This is his year. I think he's going to come to camp and make a big splash" #SJSharks
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) July 9, 2015
If DeMelo can put all the pieces together, he could provide the Sharks an extra, right-handed defensemen to help balance out their blue line. While DeMelo isn’t a flashy player by any means, he’s one that gets the job done.
In 2015-16, DeMelo is hoping for a more extended stay with the Sharks.