The San Jose Sharks will keep a close eye on Danil Gushchin as he continues dominating the AHL.
The San Jose Sharks will keep a close eye on Danil Gushchin as he continues dominating the AHL.
Through ten games with the San Jose Barracuda this season, Gushchin has 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists). His point total leads Cuda and is No. 14 in the AHL.
His 1.3 points per game ranks 3rd in the AHL for skaters who have played at least ten games.
Gushchin had 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists) in his first full season with the Cuda last season. Gushchin has seemingly taken his game to another level this season.
Sharks GM Mike Grier discussed what needs to happen for some young prospects to get a look at the NHL.
"We have clean things up a little bit up top, and then I'm sure there's going to be guys like Guschin [who] will get opportunities at some point up here," Grier said last Monday.
"[We] want to make sure the environment is right to bring those guys in," Grier said. "We would like to get our act together up here. Get this structure together and be playing the right way before we drop a 21-22 year-old kid in here."
Gushchin is 21 years old, and with the Sharks struggling for offense, the front office doesn't want to overwhelm a prospect with too much pressure to score.
The Russian forward isn't playing like a 21-year-old. Of his 13 points, 12 are primary. That puts him first in the AHL in primary points per game played.
His shot is NHL caliber, too. He proved that with his first NHL goal against the Arizona Coyotes last season.
This week was the first sign of organization for the Sharks. However, because the offense continues to struggle, it may not be long until Gushchin gets a look with the big club.
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