It wasn’t going to be extremely difficult to replace Roman Polak, and David Schlemko found a new home on the Sharks third defensive pairing after signing with San Jose back on July 1 of last year.
The combination of Schlemko and Brenden Dillon played well throughout the 2016-17 season. Schlemko had 18 points (2 goals, 16 assists) in 62 games this season, but only three on the second-unit power play which he was brought in to boost.
Perhaps Schelmo’s greatest contribution was the time he didn’t spend in the penalty box. In those 62 games, he skated to the box just seven times for 14 PIM.