New Alternate Captain Wennberg Already Showing Leadership

The San Jose Sharks’ new alternate captain Alex Wennberg is already showing his leadership.

With two members of the Sharks’ leadership group, Luke Kunin and Mikael Granlund, leaving the organization ahead of the Trade Deadline, the organization needed someone new to step up. The coaching staff turned to Alex Wennberg, a veteran in his 11th season in the NHL.

The 30-year-old forward’s leadership skills were immediately put on display, as William Eklund declined to speak with local media following the trade of best friend Fabian Zetterlund to the Ottawa Senators. Wennberg took questions on Eklund’s behalf.

Wennberg had a similar experience as a youngster, when the Vegas Golden Knights selected William Karlsson from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Expansion Draft in 2017.

“You hang out with a guy every day, and then all of a sudden, you’re on two different teams,” said Wennberg about the trade. “Especially being a Swede, you have guys you rely on and guys you’re hanging out with a bunch.”

But Wennberg got over it, and so will Eklund.

Wennberg had only worn a letter during preseason at the NHL level prior to being awarded the honor by San Jose Sharks’ head coach Ryan Warsofsky. The last time he had worn one in a non-exhibition game was for Sweden at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championships.

“He’s really stepped up. He stepped up, played some really good hockey for us,” said Warsofsky. “He’ll be in our leadership group going forward, as a guy that’s played some really good hockey and helped these young players, plays a lot of minutes, stepped up for [Mikael] Granlund in his absence. He deserved it.”

Wennberg is currently playing on the San Jose Sharks’ first line alongside Eklund and Tyler Toffoli. Given Wennberg’s unselfish style of play,  it’s not surprising that playing with two of the Sharks’ most dangerous scoring threats has paid dividends offensively. The Sharks’ newest leader has played in seven games since Granlund was traded to the Dallas Stars. In that time frame, he’s had six points, all of which have been assists.

Wennberg has always been a player who puts his teammates first, which is clear given his tendency to pass first and rarely shoot the puck. While that tendency drove his coaches, namely John Tortorella in Columbus, mad throughout his career, it also makes him a team player.

Wennberg isn’t changing, and now, he’s being rewarded for it. The Sharks are counting on Wennberg, signed through next year at $5 million AAV, to just continue being who he is.

“I’m still trying to be the same guy, trying to [bring the] same leadership, so it doesn’t really change too much,” Wennberg said of the “A”. “If I can spread some knowledge, help the young kids, and have conversations with each other. Every captain and assistant captain I’ve had is usually someone that has knowledge to spread. Someone who can help.”