Sad news from former San Jose Sharks forward Tony Granato. On Sunday, Granato revealed that he would be taking a temporary leave of absence from his broadcasting work after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
— Tony Granato (@TonyGranato) December 11, 2023
“I wish I could reach out to everyone individually, but felt like this was the best way to share the news,” wrote Granato in a post on Twitter. “My family, faith and friends will be my strength to help me through my treatments. I appreciate all the love and support I have received already. With the holiday season here, cherish the times with your loved ones, as I know I will.”
Granato played five seasons for the Sharks before he retired in 2001. He had 41 points in his first season with San Jose in 1996-97 and won the Masterson Trophy in his first season with San Jose. He played 773 NHL games with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and the Sharks. Granato had 492 career points (248 goals, 244 assists) and 1,425 penalty minutes. Following his retirement, Granato spent several seasons behind the bench at the NHL, collegiate and national team levels.
Tomas Hertl earns NHL’s second star of the week
Sharks’ forward Tomas Hertl has earned the NHL’s second star of the week honors. Hertl has had himself a week, scoring five goals in three games, including that hat trick against the New York Islanders on Dec. 5. The top-line center also scored two goals against the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 7, including the game-tying goal. Hertl capped off the week with an assist on the game-tying goal against the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 10.
Barracuda sign Kyle Rau to AHL contract
Meanwhile, the San Jose Barracuda are trying to shore up some forward depth as more and more players are called up to the Sharks in the wake of injuries. Earlier today, the Barracuda announced it had signed Kyle Rau to a one-year deal.
Rau played 68 games for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL last season and had 35 points (16 G, 19 A). He has 430 career AHL games and 61 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers and the Minnesota Wild. The last time the 31-year-old Rau played in the NHL was Jan. 30, 2022.
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