Former Penguins Forward on Great Pace With Sharks
Mikael Granlund has found a nice rhythm after struggling in his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Fans were not expecting much when the Pittsburgh Penguins traded for Mikael Granlund at least year’s trade deadline, and he still somehow finished below those expectations.
In 21 games to wrap up the 2022-23 season with the Penguins, Granlund scored one goal and four assists for five total points.
With a new front office on place, it didn’t seem likely the underperforming Granlund would stick in Pittsburgh much longer.
Kyle Dubas found a way to deal Granlund and a few other anchor contracts out of the Penguins’ ledger for future Hall of Fame defenseman Erik Karlsson.
In the three-team deal, Granlund landed with the San Jose Sharks where he has already produced three times as much offense than he did with the Penguins.
Granlund has played 20 games with the Sharks and has been one of their most productive playmakers; with three goals and 13 assists, Granlund is second on the team in points with 16.
In the Sharks last game played, Granlund notched three points to reach 500 in his lengthy career.
The NHLPA named Granlund their Player of the Week with nine points (2G-7A) in four games played.
Things just straight up didn’t work out between the Penguins and Granlund, and the Sharks still aren’t that much of a threat, but him being utilized in more situations has put him on the path for a successful season.
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