The San Jose Sharks are without captains Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture, and because of their absence, the Sharks have given Mikael Granlund and Luke Kunin leadership responsibilities.

The San Jose Sharks are without captains Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture, and because of their absence, the Sharks have given Mikael Granlund and Luke Kunin leadership responsibilities. 

Kunin is in his second season with the Sharks and has shown an ability to be a leader on and off the ice. 

Mikael Granlund was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins last off-season and has made an impression within the Sharks' organization. 

Sharks head coach David Quinn said he includes Granlund in discussions with the captains. 

"We haven't talked about that. I certainly talked to him a lot. I include him in anything that we're doing when we talk to a leadership group," Quinn said about Granlund possibly getting named as an alternate captain in late January. "He may not have an A on his jersey, but we certainly treat him with that type of respect. [We] value his input to the players."

While it is unknown if these are permanent changes, Granlund and Kunin have certainly earned the respect of the Sharks locker room.

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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