On Wednesday the San Jose Sharks let go of head coach David Quinn after two seasons with the rebuilding team. Along with Quinn, they announced that head athletic trainer Ray Tufts would also not be returning.
San Jose’s decision follows a season where they earned only 47 points, the second-fewest in the salary cap era.
In Quinn’s second season coaching the Sharks, the rebuilding team finished with the NHL’s worst record at 19-54-9. After two seasons coaching the Sharks, the team accumulated a discouraging 41-98-25 record, hinting at possible struggles under previous leadership.
This season witnessed the Sharks endure two separate double-digit losing streaks, also riddled with injuries throughout the campaign.
Team Teal’s captain Logan Couture played just six games, sidelined with a recurring groin injury. With Couture on the bench, the Sharks were 4-1-1 in his six appearances from Jan. 20 through Jan. 31.
Tomas Hertl, before his trade to Vegas, and Mikael Granlund were also among the early season injuries.
“It’s just been difficult,” said General Manager Mike Grier on Apr. 20, “Not an excuse. We had to be better and play better and things like that but I think with the injuries–definitely impacted. I’ll even put Benny [Matt Benning] there too on the back end.”
The Sharks concluded the season with a daunting minus-150 goal differential, exposing both their defensive vulnerabilities and offensive challenges throughout. Among Team Teal’s other lows this season were the second-lowest team save percentage and fewest goals scored within regulation play.
After securing the league’s worst record for the season, San Jose’s NHL Draft Lottery odds stand at 25.5 percent. The Sharks would have an opportunity to select Boston University center Macklin Celebrini, the consensus No. 1 pick.
Geared towards a younger roster, the Sharks face a considerable time frame before discussions of playoff contention can be assured. While a new coach has yet to be named, the team remains in rebuilding mode, hopeful for a suitable fit.
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Featured image courtesy of San Jose Sharks on NHL.com
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