A review of the disappointing season of San Jose Sharks forward Nico Sturm
By Conor Power
Nico Sturm's season with the San Jose Sharks was unusual. Derailed by injuries, the German proved on more than one occasion that he was a great player for a team that wanted to forget this season ever happened. Knowing that the days ahead will be brighter, what awaits Sturm and his future in the Bay Area? He's got another year on his contract at $2 million against the cap for the upcoming season. Many teams will be interested if the Sharks decide to move him.
With the German center recording just five goals and eight assists this year for 13 points, his drop in production will be seen as concerning, but that has never been what Sturm has done well. He's the kind of player who is dependable to go out in the final minutes of a game and live in his zone, winning key faceoffs to help the team hold their lead until the game ends.
The Augsburg, Germany native's offensive output is unacceptably low. It has to become 20 throughout an entire 82-game season, at least. Understandably, he only played 63 games last year due to a bevy of injuries, but the German needs to find a way to produce more sustainably. Knowing there will be times when he's penned in defensively, scoring is not that important, but it needs to improve.
This was not the most productive season of Sturm's career. He'll need to be better to help guide these kids coming through. He's the one that will be depended on for the future when it comes to teaching the kids coming through how to play well in the defensive zone. His size will offer a deterrent to those who may want to take a run at the bright young stars coming through. All of that is to say that Sturm still has a very important role moving forward.