Blades of Teal
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Which San Jose Sharks Are Heading Towards Breakout Years

By Lucas Burrell

CALGARY, AB DECEMBER 14, 2017: Teammates of the San Jose Sharks sit on the bench in a game against the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday night. (Photo by Brad Watson/NHLI via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB DECEMBER 14, 2017: Teammates of the San Jose Sharks sit on the bench in a game against the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday night. (Photo by Brad Watson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 29: San Jose Sharks left wing Timo Meier (28) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, held on March 29, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 29: San Jose Sharks left wing Timo Meier (28) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, held on March 29, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Timo Meier, Right Wing

The 21-year-old is coming off an impressive first full season in San Jose. Meier was able to compile 36 points,  21 of which were goals. Timo Time provided grit and tenacity to a less physically dominant Sharks team. His ability to use his size and strength to carry the puck was impressive to watch for a young skater and put his play making ability on display, while being penciled in all over the San Jose lineup.

Meier put together a spectacular offensive season, and seems to blossoming into the top 6 power forward that the San Jose Sharks pictured when they drafted him in 2016. Meier’s powerful shot created 16 rebounds at 5v5 last year. Creating deflections and rebounds are extremely important for this Sharks team that thrives off goals scored right in front of the crease.

The Swiss forward’s presence in the offensive zone gives opposing teams headaches. Meier drew an astonishing 34 penalties last season. He uses his power, skate speed, and wide frame to shield the puck from frustrated defenders. These drawn penalties are going to be even more important this season with the Sharks revamped Power Play.

Meier’s defensive abilities were impressive over the course of last season. Meier had 48 takeaways in all situations last season, along with delivering 105 hits during that time, stats per naturalstattrick. Hits are an overrated stat, but they are a good illustration of the kind of defensive tenacity Meier brings to the Sharks.

Meier also wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line by blocking 48 shots, that’s a high mark for a Forward who averaged only around 15 minutes of ice time per game last season. The San Jose Sharks are going to need Meier to step up and replace some of the defensive responsibility that was left by the departure of Chris Tierney. Look for him to get lots of opportunities to kill penalties this year.

Timo Meier will likely start on the second line with Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl. But don’t be surprised if you see Meier anchoring the third line to help balance out the Sharks offensive attack. No matter where Meier gets put into the lineup look for him to improve on last season.

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