Which of the San Jose Sharks talented skaters made their way onto this year’s EA NHL 20 Top 50 rankings?
Whether you are a fan of the games or not, checking out the rosters built on EA’s NHL is an insightful experience. Not only does it give an early perspective on how others view the San Jose Sharks. It also provides an enhanced look at a specific players skill sets and how it pertains to them at ice level.
Now these rankings are in no way definitive, but it’s always good to challenge any preconceived notions one might have about a certain team or player. That being said it’s tough to envision only two Sharks on this list considering the team is full of high-caliber skaters.
Nonetheless Team Teal possesses two players who have cemented themselves onto this years rankings. It really isn’t all that surprising who got selected considering how skilled these two individuals are at their craft in their own extremely effective ways.
Slotting in at number 24 on the NHL 20 Top 50 rankings is Brent Burns. The 34-year-old is coming off a monster season where he compiled a career high in total points (83) and assists (67). Burn’s presence on the blueline made Team Teal’s offensive attack one of the most potent in the NHL.
More from Sharks News
- Norris Trophy odds show Erik Karlsson a step above the rest
- Red hot Couture provides a much needed boost
- Sharks return to SAP in sight
- Ryan Donato shines in his revenge game
- Tomas Hertl is off to a hot start
Fear the Beard. @Burnzie88 highlights a stacked blueline for the @SanJoseSharks! With over a point-per-game last season, the sky is the limit in #NHL20 for the offensive defenseman. #NHL20Top50 pic.twitter.com/ghD3BdciHi
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 29, 2019
Burn’s was a steadily productive force on the ice and integral to the possession heavy offensive game plan run by Coach Pete DeBoer. His historic point per game pace promptly dispelled the notion that Burns would be taking a step back in 2018 – 2019.
It didn’t take long for the other San Jose Sharks skater to be revealed. Dropping in at 21st overall is Swedish defenseman Erik Karlsson.
A magician on the backend, @ErikKarlsson65 leads all defensemen with a 95 rating in Deking, Passing and Puck Control! Karlsson is easily the top offensive option on any blueline. #NHL20Top50 @SanJoseSharks pic.twitter.com/SrzyW8kAJX
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 29, 2019
Sharks fans got a first hand look at what EK65 was capable of throughout the 2018 – 2019 campaign. EK65 racked up 45 points in his 53 games using his quick hands, superior vision, and wicked shot to get the puck into the dangerous areas of the ice. All of this emphasized by an impressive scoring streak where he tallied 25 total points in just 14 games.
Despite being riddled by injuries, when Karlsson was active the Sharks ceiling got raised to new heights. He along with Brent Burns headline a daunting group of blueliners in San Jose. And now with a full year of chemistry formulated between the group it shouldn’t shock anyone if we see them replicating the same level of production as last year.
Only having two players in the NHL 20 Top 50 rankings is a bit of a disappointment. However with plenty of opportunities for skaters like Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl, and Logan Couture to see a bump in their production. Perhaps we see a one of these players make the leap onto next years list.