Sheng Peng
You would think a 23-year-old defenseman who’s already scored 38 points in 92 NHL games would net more than a fifth-round pick in a trade.
But that’s pretty much all the San Jose Sharks gave up to acquire Calen Addison from the Minnesota Wild, not only a later-round pick, but a selection three years from now, a 2026 fifth, along with middling prospect Adam Raska.
When something looks too good to be true, it’s always worth another look. So I asked an NHL scout from outside the San Jose Sharks organization to share his thoughts about Addison.
“Don’t trust him defensively,” the scout said.
Well, that figures. Again, young blueliners who can move the puck like Addison should be more valuable commodities.
So are the 5-foot-10 Addison’s defensive holes a skill or will thing?
“A little bit of both,” this scout opined. “He’s frustrating in that sense. Not enough buy-in.”
Maybe getting moved will light a fire under Addison?
At least, there’s no doubt that Addison is good at what he’s good at, according to this scout.
He’s a power play specialist with more than NHL-caliber offensive skill.
But it’s likely going to be the growth, or lack thereof, in his defensive game that will dictate his future with the San Jose Sharks.
“Being called upon in different situations. Showing that I can defend, showing that I can play against the best players, and just keep playing my game offensively. Tighten up the defensive game,” Addison acknowledged, when asked this morning what he’s looking to get better at.
“He needs a stabilizing partner,” the scout said. “Size and steadiness.”
Who fits that bill with the 1-10-1 San Jose Sharks?
“That’s a tough question,” the scout laughed.
Tonight, Addison will be paired with frenetic 6-foot-0 stay-at-home defender Mario Ferraro. Hopefully, there’s instant chemistry.
There’s definitely a need for Addison in San Jose right now. Between 10 defensemen over 12 games, they’ve combined for one goal and eight assists. Jacob MacDonald and Henry Thrun and Mario Ferraro are tied with two points apiece. That’s the worst production from the blueline in the league.
“He’s certainly going to help us,” San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn said yesterday.
But how about tomorrow?