Preseason Preview/Lines #6: Peterson’s Last Chance To Impress?

Going into the summer, you figure that Jacob Peterson felt pretty good about his chances of making the San Jose Sharks.

Acquired at the Trade Deadline from the Dallas Stars for Scott Reedy, the 6-foot-1 forward put up two goals and six assists in just 11 games.

But then, the Sharks signed and traded for the likes of Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, Anthony Duclair, and Filip Zadina, among others, up front.

Now, it’s fair question to wonder if the playmaker will start the season with the San Jose Sharks. If not, the 24-year-old will have to pass through waivers.

“There’s been an uptick in his camp,” San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn said. “Just his consistency, his effort, his alertness. Just had a better last two games.”

Through three appearances, Peterson hasn’t notched a point.

Peterson agreed: “It’s been better and better as long as the camp has gone.”

Time, of course, is running out on Peterson and other Sharks to prove that they belong in the opening night line-up. Tonight, San Jose plays their pre-season finale at the Delta Center against the Los Angeles Kings.

Peterson says he’s gotten back to his game, which is “trying to do stuff with the puck to create offense and still be reliable defensively.”

“He’s smart. He’s usually in the right place, system-wise,” Quinn said.

We’ll see if he can showcase all that in what amounts to something of a final test. The Sharks do have another week of practices before the regular season starts for them on Oct. 12.

San Jose Sharks (2-2-1)

Los Angeles Kings (5-1-1)

#SJSharks lines tonight pic.twitter.com/ANeap3qcas

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 5, 2023

Where To Watch

Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings is 6 PM PT at Delta Center. Watch it on ESPN+ or listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.