The San Jose Sharks are ready to resume their season and they are bringing two young players with them from the AHL. Forward Collin Graf and Defenceman Jack Thompson have been recalled from the San Jose Barracuda. After two weeks off, the team is back to practice and motivated to start the last half of the season on fresh feet.
Callups Graf and Thompson Ready to Hit the Road With the San Jose Sharks
Both Graf and Thompson have spent some time with the Sharks throughout this season and last. Graf has played in 13 games where he has recorded one goal and two assists and an average ice time of 14:58. Graf has had an impressive season with the Barracuda in the 35 games he’s played. He has eight goals and 24 assists. Graf got his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens on February 4th.
Graf brings in fresh skill and eagerness to perform his best when he plays with the Sharks. The rookie is known for his puck recovery and has a great ability to track the puck during plays. He is willing to learn from the veteran players and is constantly developing his game. He is in the top three for scorers on the Barracuda.
Thompson has spent 18 games with the Sharks with two goals and three assists. He has averaged 16:15 on the ice this season alone. Since being traded to San Jose, he has played in 19 games with the Barracuda, with two goals and seven assists. Thompson received his first NHL goal with the Sharks in November against the Colombus Blue Jackets.
Defencemen Thompson is currently 19th among the Barracuda top scorers. His skating skill and footwork make him a powerhouse on the ice, especially during power plays. He has been dynamic in rushes and his defensive skills are noticeable. With further experience and development, he will become a much-needed tool for the Sharks.
#TheFutureIsTeal have recalled Collin Graf and Jack Thompson from the San Jose Barracuda. pic.twitter.com/VKgCqJWTdz
— Locked on Celebrini (@LockedOnSharks) February 18, 2025
San Jose Sharks Still Out Players Due to Injuries
The San Jose Sharks had high hopes to bring key players back to the roster after the two-week break, but that is why the callups are here. Moreover, they are still battling injuries with no return date in mind. Veteran Defenceman Jan Rutta has been battling a lower-body injury and has slowly been recovering. His return is not hopeful for anytime soon. He has not started skating and missed practice on Tuesday when the team returned.
Nikolai Kovalenko is out battling an upper-body injury, his return could be sooner rather than later. Kovalenko may return during the middle of the road trip that’s coming up. Kovalenko was placed on the injured reserved list on February 6th.
Two more players, Nico Sturm and Alex Wennberg, are both likely to play against Calgary this coming Sunday. Wennberg has been listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, he missed four games before the 4 Nations Tournament. Sturm has been out with a lower-body injury, he missed eight games before the two-week break.
“Thanks Wenny”- the rest of the team probably. pic.twitter.com/on3xkQUr6j
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 18, 2025
San Jose Sharks Ready for Northern Run
San Jose starts the next series of games in Calgary, taking on the Flames on February 23rd. They will travel to face the Winnipeg Jets before traveling east, finishing their northern run against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They will finish their road trip playing the Colorado Avalanche. The Shark’s first home game since the two-week break is not until March 8th, when they take on the New York Islanders. At least two of their four injured players will likely be returning to the lineup within the next week or two.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The post The San Jose Sharks Recall Two Key Players from AHL’s Barracuda appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.