Sharks Forward Proving Devils Made A Mistake Trading Him

Although his offense has been quiet lately, San Jose Sharks forward Fabian Zetterlund is proving that the New Jersey Devils gave up on him too quickly.

Although his offense has been quiet lately, San Jose Sharks forward Fabian Zetterlund is proving that the New Jersey Devils gave up on him too quickly.

Zetterlund's role on the Sharks is a significant one. He plays in the top-six forwards, No. 1 powerplay, and now is in the second rotation of penaltykillers. 

Zetterlund has played 17:05 shorthanded compared to Meier's 0:07. Now, Meier hasn't been used for shorthanded situations much during his career, but Zetterlund has more powerplay time. Zetterlund has 69:04 TOI on the powerplay compared to Meier's 49:26. 

Zetterlund was considered a complimentary piece when the Sharks traded Timo Meier to the New Jersey Devils. 

Zetterlund is proving that the Devils could've used him this season. While Meier has dealt with some injuries this season, he has struggled offensively. Meier has 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 23 games this season. He was also benched earlier in the year.

For the Sharks, Zetterlund has done nothing but improve. Now that he's getting the opportunity, he isn't letting it go away. Sharks head coach David Quinn has been happy with his performances despite the lack of offense.

"The thing about him is when he has a little drop-off, it's a little drop-off," Quinn said after practice on Wednesday. "As we've talked about, 'how bad is your bad?' There hasn't been a game yet [where you say] 'oof Zetterlund has struggled.' That is the sign of a true pro."

Both Zetterlund and the coaching staff want him to shoot the puck more.

"I want to shoot the puck as much as I can. I think the last couple of games I have been looking for a pass [first]," Zetterlund said. "[That's] gonna change tonight. I'm going to be a weapon every time we have the puck in the O-zone."

Zetterlund's speed and shot are the best parts of his game. His ability to get a shot off quickly is elite.

He is becoming an offensive threat shorthanded as well.

Meier has the highest cap hit among Devils forwards ($8.8 million) and isn't producing like one. There is still time in the season, and Meier is a streaky player, but right now, Zetterlund is bringing more to the Sharks than Meier to the Devils.

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