The Sharks announced today that Dylan Gambrell will be returning to the San Jose Barracuda, possibly paving the way for Joe Thornton’s return to the lineup.
Gambrell was utilized as an extra man during the Sharks’ five-game road trip, and didn’t end up drawing into Pete DeBoer’s lineup. But his reassignment to the American Hockey League brings yet another offensive spark to a Barracuda roster that’s been firing on all cylinders so far this season, scoring 17 goals in just four games.
Because of multiple roster shuffles, Gambrell has only played one professional game so far in 2018-19, centering the ‘Cuda’s second line with current team leading scorer Francis Perron and Vincent Praplan in the team’s home opener. The former 2016 second-round draft pick was electrifying, scoring two goals and assisting on Perron’s first period tally en route to a 4-1 win over the Ontario Reign.
Despite Roy Sommer’s club having won three of their first four games, Gambrell will probably return right to his post on the second line, which has been filled by Matt Fonteyne for the last three games. But with the Sharks having just gotten home from New Jersey, Gambrell is going to be a game time decision tonight when the Barracuda host the Tuscon Roadrunners at the SAP Center. At the very latest, Gambrell will make his ‘Cuda return on Saturday, when the team heads to Stockton for the start of a home-and-home series with the Heat.
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