Sunday, the San Jose Sharks announced forward Zack Ostapchuk has signed a contract with the club. With a four-year, $9.4 million contract, the organization has shown a commitment to Ostapchuk and his role on the team. However, this commitment bodes poorly for a member of the Sharks hoping for a spot on the roster.
Ryan Reaves, at 39-years-old, is a mere 38 games away from hitting 1000 NHL games played. At the end of the season, Reaves expressed his desire to reach this goal with the San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately for Reaves, this was unlikely before the Ostapchuk signing and is more unlikely after, so he will likely have to hit the free market.
Firstly, Reaves has never actually completed a full NHL season, and the last time he came close (with 80 games) was the 2018-2019 season with the Vegas Golden Knights. This season we only saw him in 50 games, where he notched three goals and 37 minutes in penalties, and he was a total liability in each appearance making playing him not worth it. Realistically, it’s possible it takes Reaves several seasons to play 38 more games.
Secondly, Reaves’ only saving grace was his toughness, and not only has the team outgrown the need for a guy who solely fills the enforcer role, but Ostapchuk can singlehandedly make up for this. The NHL has more or less shifted past the role of an enforcer, and now expect these tougher players to contribute more than just their fists. In his 59 games played, Ostapchuk recorded 7 points (4G, 3A) and 140 hits. He even started to show more growth in the second half of the season, contributing more to offensive rushes while still not being afraid to use his body to stand up for his teammates.
While no team wants to watch their more finesse players be pushed around, the role of an enforcer has evolved along with the sport. Although Ryan Reaves has been great for locker room morale and defending players like Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks have outgrown the need for his presence. Zack Ostapchuk is simply a better, stronger, smarter, and more versatile option to help bring energy from the bottom line while also not letting the young team get bullied.
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