Fabian Zetterlund's breakthrough season provides promise for the future of the Sharks
By Conor Power
It was a difficult season for the Sharks, but one player who had a bright season was Fabian Zetterlund. One of the best players on the roster all year, Zetterlund broke through for the team in teal, scoring 24 goals and 20 assists for 44 points in a year that cemented his future as an excellent middle six-piece for the Sharks. Remembering that he is just 24 years old, there's a lot to like about Zetterlund's season.
Fans have seen Zetterlund's inclusion in Timo Meier's return as a step down from the Swiss winger, but his performance this season undeniably bolstered the Sharks. Zetterlund's success is a significant factor in why the Meier trade has benefited San Jose. His first season with the Sharks was promising, and there is anticipation for his continued growth and improvement.
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He was one of the few bright spots on a dim roster. Breaking out for the first 20-goal campaign of his career, Zetterlund proved he could be a consistent player in the proper setup. With Anthony Duclair and William Eklund joining him and Mikael Granlund, that trio was the most threatening of the Sharks lines. In the prolonged absence of captain Logan Couture, players like Zetterlund will have to take the next step next year.
Given that this was Zetterlund's first year in the Bay, and he needed time to settle into a new environment, there's a lot of good to take from the first year with the Sharks. As we move forward with a younger roster full of new talent and brighter tomorrows, Zetterlund is someone we should continue to look at as a player who could become a significant contributor. Sitting at 40 points is a promising breakthrough year, but he has another gear in the proper setup. If he can break through to the 60-point plateau, the Sharks will look good after the Meier deal.