In addition to Marcus Sorensen, the San Jose Sharks recalled defenseman Joakim Ryan from the San Jose Barracuda, the club announced this afternoon.
San Jose selected Ryan, who will replace Tim Heed as the Sharks’ seventh defenseman on their upcoming road trip, in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL draft. Ryan played three seasons at Cornell before turning pro in 2015, and has played the last two years with the San Jose Barracuda.
The 23-year-old ranks second among Barracuda defensemen in scoring with 25 points, and his 20 assists put him in the top 10 among AHL defensemen. Dobber Prospects’ Zachary Devine says Ryan is a strong play in all three zones, and his game is evocative of a staple on the Sharks blueline:
Ryan’s quietly responsible play and subtle points that continue to pile up remind of Marc-Edouard Vlasic in terms of understated ability in all three zones. Ryan has been especially impressive in defensive zone exits and carrying the play up ice. He could be yet another late-round gem to join the San Jose blueline in the foreseeable future.
As Friend of the Blog Kevin Kurz notes, it’s unlikely that we’ll see Ryan suit up on the road trip, given how well the top six defensemen have played this season when healthy. He may not play, but Ryan will have an opportunity for a homecoming of sorts on the road trip, as the Sharks will play in Ryan’s native New Jersey on Sunday.
The son of retired Swedish professional tennis player Catarina Lindqvist, Ryan was born and grew up in New Jersey. He played for the Devils’ youth program and at New Jersey high school hockey power Christian Brothers Academy, where he played alongside Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk in 2008-09.
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