The Sharks have made a minor trade Sunday, sending defenseman Artemi Kniazev to the Winnipeg Jets for the rights to defenseman Leon Gawanke, the latter of which the Sharks plan to sign.
Here we have another move made by Team Teal to shore up depth on the Barracuda in the AHL. Kniazev spent the past two seasons in the AHL with the Barracuda and only appeared in one NHL game with the Sharks during the 2021 season.
Gawanke is a 24-year-old right-shot defenseman who tallied 20 goals, 25 assists, and 45 points in 68 games for the Manitoba Moose in the AHL last season, leading all Moose defensemen in goals and points. He also led AHL defensemen in power-play goals with seven, co-led in goals, and was tied for ninth-most in points. In total, Gawanke has amassed 35 goals and 79 assists for 114 points in 207 AHL games across four seasons with Manitoba. In addition, Leon Gawanke has represented Germany at the international junior and senior level, most recently playing alongside current Shark Nico Sturm at this year's Men's World Championships.
Overall, I don't mind or have many strong feelings about this trade. Another thing to keep in mind is that prior to this trade, the Sharks had quite a few left-shot defensemen in their system and mot enough right-shot defensemen. In addition, if Erik Karlsson gets dealt this offseason, Gawanke will receive a greater opportunity to take the next step and make the Sharks roster either out of training camp or at some point during the next season.
Sources: Sharks + SAP Center App, San Jose Sharks social media
You can further support my blogs by checking out my merch (sample pictured below): CPF Store
No comments:
Post a Comment