The San Jose Barracuda and San Jose Sharks operate out of the same arenas and practice facilities, something that’s not the typical NHL/AHL relationship, and it’s a convenience factor that has single-handedly buoyed the COVID-deprived Sharks roster. We’ve been focused on how the COVID outbreak has affected the Sharks, but it’s affected the baby sharks, too.
The Barracuda’s preseason wasn’t fantastic, with all three games ending in losses. Unlike the Sharks, who burst into the regular season with a string of wins attributed to team chemistry and a revitalized roster, the Barracuda have struggled.
Last season’s Sharks rookies are now back on the Barracuda, with John Leonard, Joachim Blichfield and Sasha Chemelevski among those who are fighting to find their way back to the NHL.