Nick DeSimone made an immediate impression when he joined the San Jose Barracuda this spring. The Union College product, who went undrafted, signed a two-year deal with the San Jose Sharks in March, but signed an amateur try-out in the AHL for the remainder of the AHL season.
The defenseman, facing a crowded blueline in the minors, shot up the depth chart at the end of season. He played in only four regular season games, but played in 13 during the Calder Cup Playoffs after earning Head Coach Roy Sommer’s trust. DeSimone’s skating ability ensured a smooth transition to the professional ranks, and his offensive potential was also on full display.