Sharks recall Dylan Gambrell
Welcome back to the big time.
The San Jose Sharks have recalled center Dylan Gambrell ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
Gambrell has played in six games with the Sharks this season, playing in a fourth line role where he has not registered any points. In 39 games with the AHL Barracuda, he has tallied 16 goals and 22 assists, a nearly point-per-game rate. He notched one goal and seven shots in last night’s loss to the Bakersfield Condors.
Injuries and illness are stacking up on the Sharks. Brent Burns played against the Chicago Blackhawks while battling the flu, while both Evander Kane and Erik Karlsson were sidelined with injuries. Joe Pavelski did not practice with the team yesterday.
It’s unclear if this is just an insurance move. With Micheal Haley certainly stapled to the fourth line come hell or high water, if he plays tonight, Gambrell may be put on his wing to slide Melker Karlsson up the line up, or Gambrell may earn the extra ice time. Either way, it’s not an ideal scenario for the Sharks’ forward group, but they may not have a choice if unhealthy.