How Can Sharks Maximize Kunin? (+)

Luke Kunin is a divisive player.

On one hand, the San Jose Sharks traded a 2023 third-round pick and prospect John Leonard for the winger during the most recent NHL Draft.

On the other hand, the analytics hate him:

Luke Kunin, traded to SJ, is a physical sub-replacement depth winger who takes a lot of penalties. He can score goals though. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/v8ZqhCa8ty

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 8, 2022

I think there’s a middle ground here: Kunin has a number of better than “sub-replacement” qualities to his game. But the analytics also point to real shortcomings too.