Report: Noah Rod to sign with Sharks (Update)

Reports out of Europe from various sources including PlaneteHockey.com are reporting that 2014 second round pick is on his way to San Jose to join the San Jose Barracuda on their playoff run. He previously played for Genève-Servette of the NLA (Swiss Elite League).

Here is a rough translation from the Planete Hockey article.

Geneva-Servette forward HC Noah Rod has not finished with hockey for this season. According to "Le Matin", the 20-year-old is expected to fly this weekend in direction of San José and the Barracuda, Sharks club-school. He will finish the season by participating in the play-offs of AHL. Noah Rod had been drafted in 2014 by the San José Sharks (2nd round, 53rd position).

In my Top 20 San Jose Sharks Prospects series I ranked Rod 17th, partially because there were questions on if he would ever make the jump to North America. He signed a 6-year extension Genève-Servette but it clearly has an NHL out clause.

My view of Rod has been mostly in international competition in both the U-18 and U-20 World Championships where he impressed me a great deal. Over the course of 2 years and 12 games on an undermanned Swiss team Rod scored 7 goals and 5 assists. In his final year he out shined the much higher touted Timo Meier in the tournament. Over the course of his career in the NLA Rod played 137 games scoring 14 goals and 23 assists while accumulating 64 penalty minutes.

Not known for his offensive upside Rod is a skilled hard working defensive forward with more than a little sandpaper in his game. Scouts have often said that his game should easily translate to North America because of his style of play. Once the deal is official Rod is expected to join the San Jose Barracuda who currently sit first in the American Hockey League and looking to win a Calder Cup.

Update

FOTB: Kevin Kurz tweeted the following saying a deal is in fact close.

Update 2

The signing is official according to TVA’s Renaud Levoie and Cap Friendly. It’s a three year entry level contract that will pay him $730,000/$70,000 plus bonuses. It also has a European Assignment Clause.

Also S/T to Zakk DeVine who was the first one on the story.