The San Jose Sharks are getting much more than they expected from Ryan Carpenter.

The San Jose Sharks are getting much more than they expected from Ryan Carpenter.

Carpenter signed a two-way deal this summer and had no expectations when training camp started. 

"I signed a two-way contract here [and] didn't know what would happen in camp," Carpenter said last night. "[I'm] just trying to take advantage of the opportunities I get and build with this team."

Lately, the 32-year-old has been taking advantage of his NHL opportunity. Carpenter has three points in his ten games so far this season. His points have been critical, leading to key goals in two of the Sharks' three wins. 

Take this Filip Zadina goal against the Edmonton Oilers. It is all created by Carpenters work along the boards. He wins the puck battle and gets it up the ice. 

Carpenter finished with two assists last night against the St. Louis Blues, including a terrific pass to Givani Smith.

He once again won a puck battle to give his teammates an opportunity for offense.

"He's done a really good job. He's a reliable player," Sharks head coach David Quinn said postgame. "A lot of times, guys, when a shift ends and nothing good happens, are disappointed. Ryan takes a lot of pride in playing the right way, and he'll come off the ice, and nothing has happened, and he feels good about it because sometimes that's a good shift."

The Sharks have dealt with injury at the center position all season long. They have been without Logan Couture all season, and Mikael Granlund missed an extended period. 

Despite Granlund's return, Carpenter has managed to stay in the lineup. Not only has he been able to be in the lineup every night, it has become routine, and it would be surprising if he were to be scratched. 

"It's nice when you're trying to build trust and confidence as a line and confidence with the coach, and when he throws you out there like that, you want to keep generating momentum and keep creating," Carpenter said. "It was nice to get two quick ones like that."

Couture has no return in sight, which means Carpenter could be with the Sharks for the long haul. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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