Adam Gaudette was a very intriguing free agent signing for the Sharks back in June. Gaudette had a resurgence for Ottawa last season, scoring 19 goals, albeit on a 21% shooting clip, averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time per game. And is looking to build on that success with the Sharks next season.
The former Northeastern star showed some promise earlier in his career with Canucks, putting up 33 points in just 59 games in his second season in the league. Things went off the rails for Gaudette after that season, however, as he bounced around the league, eventually finding himself in the AHL, playing just two games in the NHL from 2022 to 2024. A big reason for Gaudette’s return to the NHL was a 44-goal campaign for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the 2023-24 season. Guadette was able to take that success and translate it to the NHL with the Senators this past season, missing just one game all year.
When it comes to next season, Gaudette is in an interesting place for the Sharks. The forward competition is wide open going into camp, with a mix of veterans and prospects vying for spots on the roster. Looking at the roster, Gaudette could fit in nicely in the Sharks' top 9, with what he brings on the ice. Gaudette excels in the hard areas of the ice, finding success by driving to the net and the middle of the ice. This is something the Sharks lack in a lot of their complementary wingers on the roster, and could give Gaudette the edge in getting a spot next to one of the Sharks' young stars, filling a similar role to Fabian Zetterlund before he was traded to Ottawa at the deadline. Gaudette could also add a scoring threat to the Sharks' 2nd-power-play-unit that they lacked all of last season. And while last season's shooting percentage was unstable with more ice time and better linemates, he could see more goals from opportunity, which could balance out the inevitable decline in shooting percentage. Either way is low risk for the Sharks, and if Gaudette can chip in 15 goals in a supporting role, it's a significant win for the Sharks.
It's a big season for Gaudette, while he signed a 2-year deal, the Sharks have a bounty of prospects on the come-up, and a poor season could see him fall off the roster completely, if he can carve out a role however he could raise his value both on the ice and as a cheap trade chip at just 2-million per season. Regardless, it will be interesting to see his next chapter in what has been a rollercoaster career for Gaudette.