With an ever-changing roster, the San Jose Sharks have become a place for players to find new opportunities.
The San Jose Sharks have become a place of opportunity from a consistent cup contender to a transitional period.
Filip Zadina was drafted No. 6 overall by the Detroit Red Wings but was never able to become an established NHLer.
During the 17-18 season, Zadina scored 82 points (44 goals, 38 assists) in 57 games for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.
In 21-22, Zadina seemed like he was starting to break out with 24 points in 74 games in the NHL. That season would be the first time the winger would break the 20-point threshold.
Last season was not good for the Czech forward. Zadina only played 30 games in the NHL and just two games in the AHL. He formally requested a trade, and turmoil followed.
The Red Wings placed Zadina on waivers to terminate his contract. Fortunately for Zadina, he told the media that there were many offers from other teams, but due to the opportunity David Quinn proposed, he decided to sign with the San Jose Sharks.
"I choose the Sharks because after I spoke with [David Quinn] and we had a good conversation," Zadina said on July 11. "We were on the same line, talking about how I could help the team and how the team could help me improve my game and become a better player. So it was after that call it was pretty much easy to decide where I want to go."
Through the first two days of training camp, Zadina has been skating on a line with Mike Hoffman and fellow countryman Tomas Hertl.
"I mean, it's the biggest opportunity ever," Zadina said. "Now it is just up to me. I have the chance to play with one of the best players in the league."
Besides David Pastrnak, Hertl is arguably Czechia's most well-known active NHL player.
Sorry, Jaromir Jagr.
"He's a really good center," Zadina said. "We have done some drills together, and we've been playing well, so hopefully we'll just keep getting better together."
The Sharks also provided a fresh start for German defenseman Leon Gawanke. On July 2, San Jose dealt defenseman Artemi Kniazev to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Gawanke.
Gawanke had not been happy with his lack of opportunity in the NHL. Gawanke tied for first in goals by a defenseman in the AHL last season with 20.
The 2017 fifth-round pick has always been a solid offensive defenseman. In the QMJHL, Gawanke put up 57 points in 62 games.
Headed initially back overseas to play with Adler Mannheim in the DEL, Gawanke decided to sign with the Sharks and knows that he needs to refine his defensive game to get his shot in the NHL.
"There's still a lot of room to improve. It's the weak side of my game and what I really need to work on to make it to the NHL," Gawanke said. "It's what I've been focusing on in the off-season, been focusing on this ever since I turned pro. It's been growing in the past, and I hope it continues."
Other players seek opportunities but have been in the San Jose Sharks organization for some time.
Prospects like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Ozzy Wiesblatt want to make the NHL club. Even with the additions of Mike Hoffman and Mikael Granlund, there are spots to be won atop the forward depth chart.
