San Jose Sharks Decide On Opening Day Roster

The San Jose Sharks have settled on their roster for the upcoming regular season. After a long and extremely eventual summer the time has finally arrived with the regular season starting on October 3 against division rival the Anaheim Ducks.

San Jose Sharks training camp officially came to an end today with the final cuts being made to the roster. The competition for the 4th line center spot seems to be settled now with these final cuts coming across the Twittersphere. Curtis Pashelka of the Mercury News announced today that Forward Dylan Gambrell, Defenseman Lukas Radil, and goalie Antoine Bibeau will be sent to the AHL.

Centerman Rourke Chartier (Shar-tchyay) remains on the Sharks roster for the start of the season. The Saskatoon native impressed the coaching staff with his performance during this training camp. In 5 preseason games Chartier has compiled 5 points with 2 goals and 3 assists.

He not only contributed offensively but has also shown proficiency in the face-off circle against NHL talent. Over the course of those 5 games he was lined up with Marcus Sorenson and Barclay Goodrow and seemed to have developed some chemistry with those two Sharks regulars.

The San Jose Sharks are hoping that Chartier will continue his progression with the big club into the regular season. He is coming back from a very scary head injury but judging by his play over the past few weeks it seems that he is back at full strength. Chartier has been in the Sharks organization for a while now so it is exciting to finally get to see what this kid can do with regular NHL icetime.

San Jose sent down Dylan Gambrell to the Barracuda, Chartier’s largest threat for that 4th line center role. The former University of Denver Pioneer performed well during his brief time with the San Jose Sharks during training camp. He flashed his ability to play in all 3 zones and showed that he can chip in offensively. Look for Gambrell to be the first player this team turns to if they are in need of help at center.

Other notable reassignments today were of defenseman Lukas Radil and goalie Antoine Bibeau. Radil was thought to be a potential 7th defenseman for the Sharks. He’s an older player and has spent time in the KHL against some decent competition, but it seems the Sharks have decided to stash Tim Heed in the press box instead of the Czech native.

Bibeau on the other hand was only inserted into the second half of the first preseason game against Calgary and allowed 2 goals. Look for him to try to make a name for himself on the  Barracuda.

Rourke Chartier has been patiently waiting for this opportunity for some time now. He has had plenty of setbacks throughout his young career already, but he continues to fight for NHL ice time. Don’t be surprised if you see the 22 year old being tasked with tough defensive assignments and also given time on the penalty kill.