Sharks Forwards at Mid-Season: Meier’s Dominance, Barabanov’s Defensive Value (+)

It’s probably too late for this version of the San Jose Sharks.

Let’s be honest – David Quinn probably has until the Trade Deadline to squeeze as much juice as he could from the Sharks. In some ways – Erik Karlsson’s renaissance, Kevin Labanc’s bounceback, Timo Meier’s continued dominance – the new San Jose bench boss has succeeded.

But undone, arguably, by the goaltending – the Sharks are 15th in the NHL, according to SPORTLOGiQ, in Quality Chances For in All Situations, and 17th in Quality Chances Against, but they have the worst save % in the NHL – San Jose is 13-22-8 and 13 points out of the playoffs.

In an alternate universe, maybe the Sharks are playing over their heads with a 22-13-8 record, and there’s actually talk about adding to the team at the Deadline.

Micro-Stats Suggest Sharks Better Than Their Record

But the record is the record, and GM Mike Grier probably has to start unloading solid depth forwards like Matt Nieto or Nick Bonino or Jonah Gadjovich or Steven Lorentz, and maybe even star winger Meier.

The Trade Deadline is Mar. 3. Until then, here’s a striking micro-stat, at the mid-season mark, for each Sharks forward. They may not all be here in 20-or-so games.

Sharks Defense at Mid-Season: Other Areas Where Karlsson Leads NHL, Surprise Benning & Ferraro Stats

Stats are from SPORTLOGiQ, 5-on-5 Per 20, through 41 games. Forwards are in order of usage.