When the San Jose Sharks acquired Fabian Zetterlund from the New Jersey Devils, it seemed like New Jersey swindled the Sharks.

When the San Jose Sharks acquired Fabian Zetterlund from the New Jersey Devils, it seemed like New Jersey swindled the Sharks.

In 22 games with the Sharks last season, Zetterlund had just three assists and failed to score a goal. He was underwhelming and placed on the fourth line. 

His fortunes have changed this season as he scored his 13th goal of the season, well past his career high of six. 

Sharks head coach David Quinn had some high praise for the Swedish forward last night. 

"He's a heck of a kid and a really good player. You're seeing why we traded for him," Quinn said. 

At first glance, the Sharks looked like they didn't get enough in return for Timo Meier, but given the recent form of Zetterlund and comparing it to Meier, the Sharks might've come out on top. 

Meier has struggled to stay healthy and generate offense for the Devils this season. He has nine goals and eight assists in 31 games. He hasn't been able to be the go-to shooter on the powerplay and often finds himself on Devils head coach Lindy Ruff's second powerplay unit. 

Ruff benched Meier earlier in the season for two lazy offensive zone stick infractions. 

Zetterlund has been on a line with now-injured center Mikael Granlund for most of the season. Granlund has had high praise for Zetterlund as well. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 6, Zetterlund found Granlund with a sweet spinning pass.

"He's grown a lot. He's a really good player," Granlund said after that game. "He's becoming a really good power forward in this league. He's a strong dude. He works hard. He plays honest hockey. I've enjoyed playing with him."

His speed and shot have been on full display all season long. His work ethic and competitiveness are what stand out to Coach Quinn. His goal last night was the perfect example. He beat the defender along the boards to the puck, used his speed to create separation, and finally picked the top corner from a tough angle. 

Zetterlund has also taken a role on the penalty kill. His speed allows him to get in the way of passes and create offense from time to time while shorthanded. 

Timo Meier is a good player in the NHL, and after signing his extensive 8-year, $70,400,000 contract with the New Jersey Devils and not living up to it, Sharks fans and the coaching staff are realizing they got a diamond in the rough in Zetterlund. 

Not to mention, the Sharks also acquired Shakir Mukhamadullin in the deal, a player who looks to lead the d-core for years to come. 

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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