In the world of hockey, there is much to be said about the legacy of players who have donned the jersey numbers 11-20 for the San Jose Sharks. But now, it is time to shift our focus and shine a spotlight on those who have worn the numbers 21-30 with pride and dedication.
One player who stands out in this group is Barclay Goodrow, whose tenure in San Jose is marked by his unforgettable overtime winner that sealed a miraculous game-seven comeback against Vegas. Goodrow started as a solid depth forward but evolved into a valuable two-way player in the bottom six. His physical play, shot-blocking, and puck-stealing abilities did not go unnoticed. Despite being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, where he went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups, Goodrow will soon make his return to the Sharks after being claimed off waivers. His veteran presence will undoubtedly be a welcome addition for the young players on the team.
Moving on to Sergei Makarov, a legend in the realm of international hockey, having been a key member of the dominant Soviet Union team in the 1970s and 80s. Makarov made his NHL debut at the age of 31 and quickly made a name for himself, winning the Calder Trophy with the Calgary Flames. The Sharks acquired him in a trade with the Hartford Whalers in 1993, and he wasted no time making an impact, leading the team in goals and points in his first season. Makarov continued to be a force on the ice for one more year before retiring after the 1994-95 season.
Vincent Damphousse, another Sharks favorite, arrived in San Jose in a mid-season trade in 1998 and spent the final five years of his career with the team. He proved to be a consistent scorer, amassing over 40 points in each season and scoring 20 or more goals in three. Damphousse’s contributions to the team were not only on the scoresheet but also in his leadership on the ice. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Sharks to their first appearance in the Western Conference Final in 2004.
Jonathan Bernier, who began his career in San Jose in 2005, showed promise early on with a solid rookie season, recording 27 points in 39 games. He continued to impress in his second year, solidifying his place in the NHL as a reliable forward. However, Bernier’s time with the Sharks was short-lived, as he was traded to Buffalo in 2008.
As we delve into the realm of jersey number 21, we encounter Tony Granato, who left a lasting impact during his time with the Sharks. And then there’s Alexander Korolyuk, a consistent producer during his six seasons with the team, showcasing his talent before returning to Russia to finish out his career.
Finally, we come to Timo Meier, the ninth overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, who quickly made a name for himself as a core member of the Sharks with exceptional power forward skills. Meier’s standout performances, including two 30-goal seasons and a career-high 35 goals in the 2021-22 season, made him a coveted player in the league. Despite being traded to the New Jersey Devils in 2022, Meier’s impact on the Sharks will not be forgotten.
In conclusion, the San Jose Sharks have seen a myriad of talented players don their jersey numbers 21-30 throughout the years, leaving a lasting legacy on the ice and in the hearts of fans. Each player has contributed their own unique strengths and skills to the team, solidifying their places in Sharks lore.
