Subscriber Q&A: Nico Sturm on Sharks Trade Rumors, Eating Dessert Around MacKinnon (+)

Nico Sturm hasn’t been with the San Jose Sharks for long, but he’s certainly made an impression.

Signed to a three-year, $6 million dollar contract this off-season, the 27-year-old pivot, originally projected to play fourth-line center, has become the team’s 3C and has provided surprise secondary scoring to the tune of six goals through 20 games.

He also leads the Sharks with a 58.7 Faceoff Winning % and is an integral part of their NHL-best penalty kill.

Off the ice, the 2022 Stanley Cup champion has become a fan favorite for his winning attitude and direct way of speaking, which took fans by surprise earlier this season after the Sharks dropped a 5-2 decision to the New York Islanders, their fifth-straight to start the season.

Sturm Speaks From the Heart After Sharks’ Record-Setting Loss

“He gives such an honest effort every game. He’s a smart player. Really looking to get better all the time,” Sharks head coach David Quinn said. “He’s better than I thought he was gonna be. I knew he’s a really good player. I knew him from his days at Clarkson, but he’s been really good for us.”

Nico Sturm was kind enough to answer San Jose Hockey Now subscriber questions last week.

And just like you might expect, Sturm was direct and honest with his thoughts about the trade rumors surrounding the Sharks, the difference between the defending champion Avs and struggling Sharks, his gameday routine, how Nathan MacKinnon influenced his teammates’ diets, and why he’s on a career-high goal-scoring pace.