The San Jose Sharks have had a lot going on in 2024. Some news was good, but there was bad as well. Here’s a look at what’s been happening so far this month.
Logan Couture’s Return Imminent
When head coach David Quinn spoke to the media before Thursday’s (Jan. 4) game against the Winnipeg Jets, Sheng Peng of SJ Hockey Now noted that he said Logan Couture is expected to make his season debut on the upcoming road trip. The Sharks’ captain has been plagued by a lower-body injury since the start of the season and has experienced several setbacks. Considering this news came shortly after it was announced that Matt Benning will be out for the remainder of the season, it was good to hear something positive.
Originally, it was thought that Couture would be out week-to-week (from ‘San Jose Sharks captain Couture to miss opener, remains out indefinitely,’ Mercury News, Oct. 10, 2023). But weeks turned into months, and now it appears there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. The road trip began on Tuesday, Jan. 9, against the Toronto Maple Leafs and will continue until Jan. 16 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Jack Studnicka Sent to the Barracuda
Jack Studnicka was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Friday. He showed signs of promise during his stint with the Sharks, but there wasn’t enough to warrant keeping him in the NHL. Through nine games, he failed to record a single point and didn’t make much of an overall impact. He’ll bolster the Barracuda’s roster and help them improve, but he was acquired mainly as depth, and now that Couture is set to return, they don’t need him anymore. He’ll likely be back at some point this season.
Scott Sabourin Recalled, Debuted in Toronto
Scott Sabourin has played 43 games over four NHL seasons. Most of his appearances were with the Ottawa Senators, but he did play a single game with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020-21. His most recent appearance came with the Senators on April 28, 2022, in a 4-0 loss to the Florida Panthers.
Since then, he spent another season with their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, before joining the Sharks organization this season. He’s been a physical presence for the Barracuda, and the Sharks will need him to do the same, as they’re missing Givani Smith’s contributions. He made his debut with the Sharks against the Maple Leafs last night.
Justin Bailey’s 100th…
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