In the world of hockey, there is a rich history of players who have left their mark on the game. As we near the end of our series on the Greatest San Jose Sharks by Sweater Number, we turn our attention to numbers 71-80. It’s important to note that this list evaluates players based on their time with the Sharks, which means some NHL legends may not make the cut. Additionally, some numbers may not have been worn by any Sharks players, so we will skip over those.
Let’s dive into the world of the Greatest San Jose Sharks by Sweater Number: 71-80.
Starting off with number 73, we have Gregor, who is the only player in franchise history to wear that number. Despite playing a bottom-six role for the Sharks from 2019-2023, Gregor has proven himself to be a reliable defence-first forward. His best season came in 2021-22 when he tallied 23 points and 118 hits. Gregor has since moved on to play for the Ottawa Senators in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Moving on to number 77, we have DeMelo, who began his over 500-game NHL career with the Sharks. Known for his defensive prowess, DeMelo played a key role in the Erik Karlsson trade, ultimately benefiting both teams involved. Despite showing flashes of greatness, DeMelo now looks forward to a successful career with the Ottawa Senators.
Next up, we have Gushchin, a young player who has shown flashes of offensive brilliance in his brief career. Drafted in the third round of the 2020 draft, Gushchin has impressed with his point production in the AHL. With a strong start to the AHL campaign, Gushchin could soon find himself called up to the Sharks.
Dahlen, who wore number 80, had a solid season with the Sharks in 2021-22 before signing with Timra IK in the SHL. While it’s unlikely we’ll see Dahlen back in the NHL, he has continued to be a point producer in Sweden.
Nikolai Knyzhov, who wore number 71, also made a name for himself during his time with the Sharks as a reliable defenseman. Sturm, who wore number 78, had a career-best season in 2022-23 before experiencing a dip in production the following year. Tennyson, who wore number 80, played a depth role with the Sharks and has since transitioned to a broadcasting career.
As we near the end of our journey through the Greatest San Jose Sharks by Sweater Number, we are reminded of the impact each player has had on the team and the sport of hockey as a whole. The legacy of these players will live on in the hearts of fans for years to come.
