How Can Struggling Kurashev Find His Game With Sharks? (+)

The San Jose Sharks have many shooters, they could use another playmaker.

Could Philipp Kurashev be the answer?

The Sharks took a chance on Kurashev, inking the free agent center-winger to a one-year, $1.25 million pact on Jul. 1.

The 25-year-old struggled for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, enduring healthy scratches on his way to just seven goals and 14 points in 51 games. This was after a breakout 2023-24, when the Swiss forward put up 18 goals and 54 points.

Chicago declined to qualify RFA Kurashev, making him a UFA. Enter San Jose.

This off-season, the San Jose Sharks added shooters Jeff Skinner and Adam Gaudette. Macklin Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, and Carl Grundstrom are also all about shot volume.

Kurashev, however, is a pass-first player.

Question is, can he get back to what he was doing in 2023-24?

Micro-stats from Stathletes and numbers from NHL EDGE illustrate what Kurashev must do to find his game.