Admirals leading scorer gets fresh start in San Jose
The Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks announced a trade, with the Predators sending forward Egor Afanasyev to the Sharks for forward Ozzy Wiesblatt.
Wiesblatt was the 31st pick in the first round of the 2020 draft, Afanasyev was selected in the second round in 2019.
Afanasyev is a talented player who isn't afraid to mix things up physically. He had a breakout AHL season, recording 27 goals and 54 points in 56 games to lead the Admirals in scoring before adding nine points in 15 playoff games. He went pointless in two games with the Nashville Predators and has 113 points in 187 career AHL games.
Wiesblatt recorded 17 points in 50 games this season, 16 of which he spent on a loan to Milwaukee as a teammate with Afanasyev. He put up two goals and nine points in 15 playoff games. He has 35 points in 101 career AHL games.
The 23-year-old Afanasyev is a pending RFA with a path to regular NHL playing time more accessible in San Jose. Wiesblatt is signed with a $835,000 cap hit through the 2024-25 season.
Wiesblatt was loaned to Milwaukee from the San Jose Barracuda earlier this season, so he already has some familiarity with the organization. The 22-year-old will look to take on a bigger offensive role next season.
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