The Sharks and forward Andrew Poturalski have mutually agreed to a contract termination; he will be a free agent if he clears unconditional waivers within 24 hours.
While Poturalski was not a massive factor for the Sharks this past season, posting an assist in three games with the big club, he was a significant piece for the Barracuda; his 73 points in 59 games led the AHL in scoring and helped him capture league MVP. He will also be a substantial loss off the ice for the Cuda, as he was an excellent mentor for the young players and someone they could lean on in the room.
Barracuda captain Jimmy Schuldt said this on Poturalski via San Jose Hockey Now. “You see what he does, not only on the ice producing but off the ice as a leader, as a veteran guy. He’s someone who guys can lean on, guys can look to in all aspects,”
Poturalski’s primary motivation for leaving the Sharks appears to be frustration with the lack of NHL opportunity. He echoed this sentiment to San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng. Despite his AHL success, Poturalski has never been given much of an opportunity at the NHL level, suiting up in just nine games over his career, a 3rd of which came this past season with the Sharks. Understandably, Poturalski is looking to shake things up, and by the looks of it, he will be heading overseas and joining Avangard Omsk of the KHL.
While losing Poturalski isn’t a massive blow to the Sharks' future, they will need to replace his services in Free Agency. Veteran leadership will be vital for a Barracuda team, adding more young players next season who are eligible for their first pro season.