BROADCAST BLOG (AUG. 3, 2017)
Aug 2, 2017
What’s up Barracuda fans? Nick Nollenberger here. It’s another week, which means it’s time for another blog. We’re in the dog days of summer where hockey news is few and far between, so let’s hone our inner sports talk radio host and make a few predictions about the Barracuda roster heading into 2017-18. Note: these are my own personal predictions and do not reflect the opinions of either the Sharks or Barracuda. Now that that's out of the way, let’s get started.
Not returning…
F – Buddy Robinson (Two-way deal with the Winnipeg Jets/Manitoba Moose)
F – Zack Stortini (One-way deal with the Charlotte Checkers)
F – Colin Blackwell (Unsigned)
F – Nikita Jevpalovs (Signed in the KHL with Dinamo Riga)
F – Alex Gallant (Two-way deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning/Syracuse Crunch)
D – Mirco Mueller (Traded to the New Jersey Devils for draft picks)
D – Dan Kelly (Unsigned)
D – Patrick McNally (Unsigned)
G – Mantas Armalis (Unsigned)
New additions…
F – Rudolfs Balcers
F – Brandon Bollig
F – Tim Clifton
F – Colby McAuley
F – Bryan Moore
F – Noah Rod
F – Filip Sandberg
F – Alex True
F – Manuel Wiederer
D – Nick DeSimone
D – Cavan Fitzgerald
D – David Makowski
D – Jeremy Roy
D – Radim Simek
G – Antoine Bibeau
Expected to spend a majority of the season with the Sharks…
F – Ryan Carpenter
F – Kevin Labanc
F – Timo Meier
F – Marcus Sorensen
D – Tim Heed
Expected to be frequently up and down between the Barracuda and Sharks…
F – Brandon Bollig
F – Barclay Goodrow*
F – Danny O’Regan
D – Joakim Ryan
D – Radim Simek
Projected Barracuda roster…
F – Rudolfs Balcers
F – Brandon Bollig
F – Rourke Chartier
F – Tim Clifton
F – Barclay Goodrow*
F – Adam Helewka
F – Jonathon Martin
F – Colby McAuley
F – John McCarthy
F – Bryan Moore
F – Danny O’Regan
F – Noah Rod
F – Filip Sandberg
F – Alex Schoenborn
F – Alex True
F – Manuel Wiederer
D – Julius Bergman
D – Michael Brodzinski
D – Nick DeSimone
D – Cavan Fitzgerald
D – Jacob Middleton*
D – Jeremy Roy
D – Joakim Ryan
D – Radim Simek
G – Troy Grosenick
G – Antoine Bibeau
Not currently under contract*
Although several key pieces from last seasons Barracuda roster are expected to be up with the big club next year (Ryan Carpenter, Kevin Labanc, Timo Meier, Marcus Sorensen, Tim Heed), the core of the Barracuda is still intact. The 'Cuda will once again be one of the leagues youngest rosters, but also one of its most talented.
The AHL’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2016-17, Danny O’Regan, should spend most of his sophomore season in the AHL after leading San Jose in nearly every offensive category last year. The AHL’s Most Outstanding Goaltender, Troy Grosenick, is under contract for two more seasons after turning in a historic campaign last year, and the AHL’s Most Outstanding Coach, Roy Sommer, will return for his 20th season behind the bench for the Sharks top affiliate. Not to mention, several key rookies last year will return. Like Rourke Chartier, Adam Helewka, and Jacob Middleton*. If Barclay Goodrow signs his offer sheet, the Barracuda could get its leading goal scorer back from last season as well.
Joakim Ryan who was arguably San Jose's most consistent blueliner could be back as well next season, so the Barracuda should still have plenty left in the cupboard.
One thing is for sure, it’s going to be another fun season. That’s it from me. Enjoy your weekend and we’ll talk to you all next week.