Training camp has opened for the San Jose Sharks and the battle for roster spots should make for an interesting three weeks. Who plays in San Jose, who plays in Worcester, who goes back to junior and who plays where are all topics for discussion.
FORWARDS
Up front, fans can rest assured of the Sharks firepower with Captain
Patrick Marleau and
Joe Thornton re-signing this summer. However, whether they will center two separate lines or skate alongside each other, still has to be determined.
That being noted, the two have roster spots locked up. Along with the two All-Stars,
Ryane Clowe,
Milan Michalek,
Patrick Rissmiller,
Curtis Brown,
Marcel Goc,
Jeremy Roenick,
Jonathan Cheechoo and
Mike Grier are all NHL regulars. That totals 10 forwards in position already (although what position each plays is another story for another day) who spent all of 2006-07 on an NHL roster).
If the Sharks keep two extra forwards and one defenseman on their 23-man roster, although Team Teal has gone with eight blueliners in the past, that would leave four forward roster spots up for grabs.
Joe Pavelski and
Steve Bernier both spent most of last year with the big club, performing very strong at times, but both also spent time in the AHL and will have to prove their metal to keep challengers away.
Among younger prospects, targeting those who have finished their junior eligibility,or are seasoned from the AHL,
Lukas Kaspar,
Torrey Mitchell,
Tomas Plihal,
Craig Valette,
Graham Mink and
Devin Setoguchi have eyes on the big prize.
Then again, there is always the possibility that a young forward like
Logan Couture or
Jamie McGinn will explode on the scene like
Milan Michalek and grab a roster spot. Over the years, the Sharks have shown the best players make the team and that will still be the case in 2007-08.
DEFENSEMEN
Fans watching for roster battles should pay special attention to the blueline. Veterans
Kyle McLaren,
Craig Rivet and
Christian Ehrhoff have track records and past performances letting you know they will be there night in and night out.
What follows is a group of seven younger defensemen that all have NHL experience and prefer to stay in the “big show.”
