The San Jose Sharks minor league affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, will have a much different roster.
Since being hired as the San Jose Sharks GM, Mike Grier has wanted to bring a specific play style to the NHL and AHL levels.
Regarding the San Jose Barracuda, GM Joe Will has begun implementing that image into the roster.
Nine players on the Cuda's roster remain from opening night in the AHL last season.
Nick Cicek is the last remaining player on defense for the Cuda, and during development camp, he discussed the changes on the backend.
"[Yeah], lots of change all the time," Cicek said. "I mean, I guess that's part of the business. I mean, we're just trying to get better here and continue to play good hockey, and hopefully, we have a better outcome than last season."
Cicek is seen as the leader of the group now, considering he is the only one left.
"It's interesting. It's definitely a different feeling. I don't mind it. I sort of like being a leader in the group and in the dressing room and stuff, like taking young kids under my wing, sort of showing how they expect us to act on the ice and off the ice. So it's been really fun so far," Cicek said.
When it comes to the forwards, there could be even more change coming. William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau are fighting for roster spots with the San Jose Sharks.
Tristen Robins played three games for the big club last season and was a good producer at the AHL level.
In 64 games last season, Robins had 17 goals and 21 assists.
Robins can play center or wing and has a terrific shot. If the 2020 second-round pick wants to become a regular NHL player, he must continue developing as an offensive playmaker.
Ozzy Wiesblatt was a first-round pick in 2020, and his development hasn't gone the best. Wiesblatt is 21 years old and still has time to get his game to the next level.
Although he is only 5'10, Wiesblatt plays with an edge. He doesn't let anyone push him around, and he has shown some instincts in the offensive zone.
The San Jose Sharks are looking to utilize the Barracuda as a place to create a winning culture.
They are trying to create that culture by bringing in veteran players like, Ryan Carpenter, Nathan Todd, and Scot Sabourin.
With players like them and Cicek, the young players for the Barracuda will have some leadership and protection to help bring out the best parts of their game.