San Jose Sharks Report Cards: The Dynamic Defense

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 31: An overhead view of the San Jose Sharks bench as they face the Calgary Flames at SAP Center on March 31, 2019 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 31: An overhead view of the San Jose Sharks bench as they face the Calgary Flames at SAP Center on March 31, 2019 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)
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San Jose Sharks blueliner Joakim Ryan fires a slapshot versus the Lightning
SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 05: Joakim Ryan #47 of the San Jose Sharks takes a shot past Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning at SAP Center on January 5, 2018 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)

Joakim Ryan

Grade: D+

At the beginning of the year, Joakim Ryan was the prime candidate to skate with Burns. After sloppy play and Simek’s emergence, Ryan lost his job as a starter.

Ryan’s physicality was never noticeably present and he did not have a strong shot from the point. His undersized frame made it difficult to navigate through the Western Conference.

The sophomore defender mainly filled in the gaps when the Sharks were short-handed during the second half of the season and the postseason performing adequetely for a seventh defenseman. However the Sharks will need to see tons of improvement from Ryan if he hopes to secure a spot in Team Teals everyday lineup.