Blades of Teal
Fansided

3 Ways the San Jose Sharks Can Replace the Loss of Joe Pavelski

By Lucas Burrell

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 15: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the St. Louis Blues during the third period in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Enterprise Center on May 15, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 15: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the St. Louis Blues during the third period in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Enterprise Center on May 15, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 31: San Jose Sharks center Dylan Gambrell (7) carries the puck during the San Jose Sharks game versus the Calgary Flames on March 31, 2019, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA.” (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 31: San Jose Sharks center Dylan Gambrell (7) carries the puck during the San Jose Sharks game versus the Calgary Flames on March 31, 2019, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA.” (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Blame it on the Youth

Along with Timo Meier the San Jose Sharks have a lot of young talent on their roster who can help supplement the loss of their former captain. While Meier and Labanc will take on the heavier minutes and more defensive assignemnts other skaters within the organization will be called upon to help round out the bottom half of the forward group.

There are plenty of names to throw out there like California’s own Sasha Chmelevski, the leading scorer in the WHL last season Joachim Blichfeld, or even last years preseason star Ivan Chekhovich can make the leap onto the big club.

It also wouldn’t be a surprise if a player already playing at the pro level in AHL can make an impact in the NHL. Names like the Barracuda’s leading scorer Alexander True, Dylan Gambrell, and Antti Suomela all can slot in and play along the elite talent on the San Jose Sharks.

One important factor (even though he hasn’t officially signed a deal) is the fact that these skaters will most likely be playing with Joe Thornton. His presence on the team gives the Sharks coaching staff an anchor on the third line who will be able to help guide these young skaters through the ups and downs of a long NHL season.

Home/Analysis