Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7223b77a-e7d4-4414-9874-40e28e6bf209.jpeg] Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The San Jose Sharks have assigned forward Zack Ostapchuk and defenseman Jack Thompson to the San Jose Barracuda, it was announced Tuesday. Ostapchuk, acquired by the Sharks in the Fabian Zetterlund deal, spent time this year in both the NHL and AHL, collecting 11 points in 15 games with the Belleville Senators while putting up one goal and four points in 56 games split between Ottawa and the Sharks. Drafted by the Senators in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Ostapchuk is in his second pro season. Having played in six games for Belleville in last year's playoffs, Ostapchuk collected a goal and an assist. Thompson, a product of Courtice, Ont., also spent time at both levels in 2024-25. In 31 games with the Sharks, he scored four goals and added six assists for 10 points while putting up 14 points in 27 games with the Barracuda. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Thompson has collected 10 points in 34 career NHL games. With Thompson and Ostapchuk joining the Barracuda for their playoff run, it will be a great experience for both of them to play big minutes and continue to develop their games. A method that has been successful in the past (young players playing important roles during AHL playoff runs), the Sharks hope this can benefit both players as they look to make the Sharks full time in 2025-26.
