Preview/Lines #63: Six Years After His 1st NHL Game, Schuldt Excited for His Next Shot

The last time Jimmy Schuldt played an NHL game, the San Jose Sharks were in the Western Conference Final.

Since then, the 29-year-old defensive defenseman has carved out an impressive, leadership-oriented American Hockey League career. He was a three-time captain of St. Cloud University’s ice hockey team, a sought-after free agent before signing with the Vegas Golden Knights and playing his lone NHL game in Apr. 2019. He earned an assist in that game.

Schuldt spent much of the 2020-21 season on the Vegas Golden Knights’ taxi squad, before playing four seasons with three different AHL organizations. After back-to-back Calder Cup Final appearances with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, he signed with the Sharks and became the San Jose Barracuda captain this offseason.

“I feel like it’s more common for guys to be [on] a lot of teams than to just be on one,” Schuldt told San Jose Hockey Now in Toronto. “There’s the lucky few that get to be in the same spot their whole career, but for me, it’s just wherever the opportunity is right.”

But, that hasn’t stopped Schuldt from eyeing an NHL return. After playing in a 6-5 overtime victory for the Barracuda Sunday night, Schuldt was called up and joined the NHL club in Toronto.

“I think my role more so now is just to be a depth player and be ready when called upon,” Schuldt said. “Also just try to be a leader at the AHL level. I’ve been doing my best to do that this year.”

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky gave a similar review yesterday.

“I think he gives us some experience back there,” Warsofsky said. “He’s playing some good hockey. He’s been a leader for [the Barracuda].”

Schuldt was signed with AHL veterans Andrew Poturalski and Lucas Carlsson to re-shape the San Jose Barracuda into a contending team. While the Barracuda have cooled down as of late, they are on track for their first postseason appearance since 2021.

“Just try to bring the culture of winning, and knowing when to buckle down [versus] when to play more free,” Schuldt said on what he and the other veterans have brought to the Barracuda. “It’s a hard league to win in, but we do have good players. I think we’ve been underachieving lately and [are] trying to get back on track.”

Schuldt credits the captains and leaders he’s observed over the years for his leadership abilities. He played with Michael Mersch on the Rochester Americans, Patrick Brown and Jake Bischoff on the Chicago Wolves and Henderson Silver Knights, plus Max McCormick and Poturalski in Coachella Valley.

“Watching them, you don’t really realize how many eyes are on you when you’re in that position,” Schuldt said. “I just remember watching those guys trying to do, what they do prepare, the way they prepare. Have a good attitude, like they do. I try to bring that myself now and not try to change too much. Just lead the right way.”

As for what Schuldt can do to earn NHL minutes?

“Try to play hard, defend, move the puck, get the puck to the forwards that and let them make the plays,” Schuldt said. “Just be a steady presence when called upon.”

San Jose Sharks (16-37-9)

Alexandar Georgiev will get the back-to-back start, because Vitek Vanecek is being held out for trade purposes.

Vanecek will back up, and no other Sharks are being held out for trade purposes.

Ryan Warsofsky says that Klim Kostin will come in for Carl Grundstrom, otherwise, the line-up stays the same as yesterday.

This is how lines should look:

Eklund-Celebrini-Toffoli
Zetterlund-Wennberg-Smith
Goodrow-Dellandrea-Kunin
Graf-Sturm-Kostin

Walman-Liljegren
Ferraro-Mukhamadullin
Vlasic-Thompson

Georgiev

Warsofsky also noted that Nikolai Kovalenko, still on IR, should be activated for the Mar. 6 game at the Colorado Avalanche.

Buffalo Sabres (24-29-6)

The Sabres also played last night, here’s how they lined up in a 4-3 OT loss to the Montreal Canadiens:

James Reimer gets the start in net tonight. ⚔️#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/IyyHoskJ2m

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 3, 2025

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen should draw the start.

Where To Watch

Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres is 4 PM PT at KeyBank Center. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.