Welcome back, hockey fans, to the final edition of our ‘Greatest Sharks by Jersey Number’ series. Today, we delve into the numbers 81-94, with a focus on some of the lesser-worn jersey numbers in San Jose Sharks history. While these numbers may not have seen as much action on the ice, the players who have donned them have left their mark on the franchise.
Let’s kick things off with a look at Matt Nieto, who wore number 83 during his time with the Sharks. Nieto made his debut in the 2013-14 season and quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the bottom-six forward group. He had two standout seasons with the Sharks, putting up 24 and 27 points in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns, respectively. With ten goals in each of those years, Nieto also made an impact on the power play and was a key contributor to the team’s penalty kill. Despite a strong showing during the Sharks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015-16, Nieto’s time in San Jose came to an abrupt end when he was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Avalanche in January 2017.
Moving on to number 84, we have Jan Rutta, who joined the Sharks in the 2023-24 season as part of the Erik Karlsson trade. Rutta played 69 games for San Jose, recording 19 points and showcasing his defensive prowess with 110 blocked shots. Averaging close to 20 minutes of ice time per game, Rutta proved to be a valuable asset on the blue line. With his contract extending into the 2024-25 season, fans eagerly await to see what general manager Mike Grier has in store for the Czech defenseman.
Next up, let’s take a look at Arseni Mukhamadullin, who holds the distinction of being the only player in Sharks history to wear number 85. Acquired in the Timo Meier trade, Mukhamadullin made his debut in the 2023-24 season, appearing in three games for San Jose. While his NHL experience may be limited, Mukhamadullin excelled in the AHL, tallying 34 points in 55 games. As the 22-year-old defenseman vies for a permanent roster spot, many believe he has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Sharks’ defensive core.
Number 86 is occupied by Joachim Blichfeld, who played just eight games for the Sharks. Despite his brief NHL stint, Blichfeld made an impact by scoring his first and only NHL goal in the 2020-21 season. Since then, he has honed his skills in the AHL and SHL, showcasing his offensive talent and earning a spot on our list of greatest Sharks by jersey number.
Onto number 81, we have Tyler Kennedy, who joined the Sharks in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche in January 2023. Kennedy suited up for nine games in teal, notching five points, including three goals. Following his brief stint in San Jose, Kennedy spent time in the AHL before returning to his native Czechia to play for HC Dynamo Pardubice. While his NHL future remains uncertain, the Sharks retain his rights in the hopes of a potential comeback.
And finally, we come to number 88 and a player who needs no introduction – Brent Burns. Arguably the best defenseman in Sharks’ history, Burns spent 11 seasons and 798 games in San Jose, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. A dynamic force on both ends of the ice, Burns was a key contributor to the team’s success, racking up goals, assists, and accolades along the way. From power play quarterback to shot-blocking stalwart, Burns did it all for the Sharks before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2022.
As we conclude our ‘Greatest Sharks by Jersey Number’ series, we salute these players for their contributions to the franchise and look forward to the next generation of Sharks stars making their mark in the years to come. Stay tuned for more hockey coverage and analysis from our team of dedicated journalists. Until next time, make sure to keep your sticks on the ice and your eyes on the puck.
