Micheal Haley often goes unnoticed when he features for team teal, but he provided a physical presence when called upon.
Let’s be honest: Micheal Haley will never be known as a regular NHL guy at this point in his career. In 72 games over the course of six seasons, Haley has recorded just three goals and one assist.
However, what Haley does do well is stand up for his teammates and provide a physical component to the San Jose Sharks which he did just fine throughout the 2015-16 campaign.
Haley spent a majority of the season with the San Jose Barracuda, before finishing the season with the big club.
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In his 16 contests in teal this year, Haley found the back of the net on one occasion, against the Vancouver Canucks on March 5, while recording 48 penalty minutes.
In looking at a highlight reel from this past season, Haley was often seen in a bout with someone on the opposing side as he accepted his role of standing up for his teammates.
He provided a veteran presence at the AHL level as well for the Sharks as he was one of the leaders for the newly created Barracuda.
Haley featured in 41 games for the Barracuda, and he notched 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points to go with a plus-six rating and 52 penalty minutes.
Again, Haley will never be confused for an offensive playmaker or regular contributor, but he’s the ultimate glue guy for a hockey club.
While he only averaged more than seven minutes of ice time per game, Haley was someone who did the job that was asked of him.
Those are the kind of guys that help formulate an entire team. One of the reasons the Sharks were able to make an extended run is they got contributions from everyone throughout their lineup when called upon.
Haley did just that, knowing that he was in the lineup for a physical component and he accepted that role.
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It’s tough to provide some sort of grade for his overall performance from the year because it’s clear the type of game he’s supposed to play.
Haley isn’t supposed to score or create offense; he’s in the lineup to punish the opposition and stick up for his teammates if need be. That’s what he did for San Jose during the 2015-16 season and his teammates seemed to appreciate the kind of effort he gave.