SJHN Daily: Barracuda Debut New Jerseys, Boughner Wants Megna Back

Bob Boughner wants pending UFA Jaycob Megna back.

Talking earlier in the week about how the San Jose Sharks defenseman has persevered throughout his career, Boughner made his feeling clear on how he’s viewed Megna’s performance: “He has just been a rock for us back there. People don’t know how hard he’s fought through injuries, playing hurt, playing injured almost for the whole second half of the season.”

That battle mindset has served Megna well throughout his career in a sport where a no-quit mindset can get someone far, and Boughner recognized this aspect of the 29-year-old’s career in relation to his steady NHL time now.

“I think it’s another great story of how Megs has battled the minors for years and been a captain down there, and a leader to all the young guys,” Boughner said. “[Megna has] put his time in and never gave up. He’s come up, and he looks like he’s played in this league for ten years.”

Megna has spent the majority of the last eight years in the American Hockey League with the San Diego Gulls, Chicago Wolves, and the San Jose Barracuda.

Heading into free agency this summer, Boughner voiced no reservations about a potential Megna return: “For me, [Megna is] a guy that absolutely, 1,000%, needs to be back here, and he needs to be part of this team. He’s just a great guy, and he’s very well-liked.”

When told of his coach’s vote of confidence, Megna noted that it’s nice to hear he’s wanted back: “I’ve made it no secret that I’d like to come back here. Hearing it from a guy that I work with every day and is in the room and on the ice, it means a lot to have the trust of your teammates and your coaches.”

Preview/Lines #69: Pending UFA Megna Wants to Come Back

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Prospective Sharks GM Candidate on What Makes a Great GM

What’s Reedy’s Ceiling?

Sharks on How Vulgar Message to Golden Knights Got on Jumbotron

Our Sharks’ Year-End Awards With Sie Morley

Gushchin, Sommer on What They Liked About His Pro Debut (+)

SOURCE: Barabanov, Sharks Talking Contract Soon (+)

Subscriber Q&A: Kaapo Kähkönen Shares His Newest Cooking Passion, Favorite Restaurants (+)

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Our new “BLACKOUT” jersey is finally here. The first peak into the future of the Barracuda starts now.

Pre-order yours: https://t.co/AEJ2inz4Me pic.twitter.com/trFKdmXuVq

— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) April 28, 2022

Where does Nicolas Meloche rank among the San Jose Sharks’ under-25 crowd? (Fear the Fin)

Meet the man behind the hair of your favorite Sharks players. (The Athletic)

We stand with Ukraine

The Sharks Foundation announced today they are making a $100,000 donation to @UNICEFUSA to support Ukrainian relief efforts.

More: https://t.co/LE7lC9BCAU pic.twitter.com/pT7E3gXxOd

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 28, 2022

Could Frank Nazar join the San Jose Sharks in the upcoming draft? (The Hockey Writers)

Timo Meier selected as 2021-22 Sharks Player of the Year. (NHL)

AROUND THE NHL…

Ryan Leonard, Sharks prospect John Leonard’s younger brother, scores a hat trick en route to Team USA’s 13-3 win over Team Latvia and the US is heading to the semi-final round of the U18 Worlds.

🎩🎩🎩 Hatty for Ryan Leonard! His third goal scored just 24 seconds after @BrindleyGavin puts @usahockey up 11-1 over @lhf_lv #U18Worlds #USALAT pic.twitter.com/Dx64zzw43d

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 28, 2022

Eric Comrie earns his first NHL shutout as the Winnipeg Jets defeat the Philadelphia Flyers. (SportsNet)

Long-time LA Kings forward Dustin Brown announces he is retiring following the 2022 playoffs. (TSN)

Steven Stamkos reaches 100-point milestone for the Tampa Bay Lightning. (CBS Sports)

Is it time to end shootouts for good? (The Athletic)

Sidney Crosby voted most complete player by NHL peers, not only Pittsburgh Penguins:

Players Vote Sidney Crosby Most Complete Player, Role Model

What is going on with the Boston Bruins‘ goaltending situation?

Boston Bruins ‘Still Evaluating’ Their Playoff Goaltending Situation

When Devon Toews plays for the Colorado Avalanche, good things happen:

Frei: It’s simple enough: Devon Toews plays, Colorado Avalanche wins (+)

The Florida Panthers have signed a new deal with Bally Sports:

The Florida Panthers get new deal, cash infusion with Bally Sports deal

The New York Islanders wrapped up their longest road trip of the season on Tuesday night:

Road Games Over With: From Historic Start to Busy Finish

The Vegas Golden Knights fail to make playoffs for the first time in franchise history:

Golden Knights Lose In Shootout, Officially Eliminated From Playoffs

The Philadelphia Flyers and their draft possibilities:

Flyers and draft-lottery odds, and maybe taking center Logan Cooley

Alexander Ovechkin is still not ready to make his return to the Washington Capitals lineup:

Ovechkin Takes Ice For Capitals Morning Skate, Still Not Cleared

Should the Detroit Red Wings replace coach Jeff Blashill?

Five Reasons Why Red Wings Must Replace Blashill

Vasily Podkolzin does press sans translator and has some fun with Vancouver Canucks media:

Canucks Vasily Podkolzin Speaks Up, says ‘Bruce, There it is!’

Rasmus Andersson reaches 50 points with the Calgary Flames:

Andersson hits 50 points with blueline partner hot on his heels

The Montreal Canadiens secure highest odds for first-overall pick:

Montreal Canadiens Land Highest Odds To Win First Overall Pick

"Blackout" the first jersey in the Barracuda Resurgence Era is here.

Pre-order yours now: https://t.co/AEJ2inz4Me pic.twitter.com/Z80MRbmpAR

— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) April 28, 2022