Editor's note: Over the next month, CSNCalifornia.com Sharks Insider Kevin Kurz and Postgame Live reporter Brodie Brazil will evaluate the 2011-12 performance of each player on the roster. One breakdown will occur every weekday in numerical order.
Sharks spotlight -- the series
Sharks spotlight: Daniel WinnikAge: 27F
Daniel Winnik was acquired by the Sharks at the trade deadline, and had two goals and three assists for five points and 10 penalty minutes in 21 games. In 84 games total between the Sharks and Avalanche, Winnik had eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points. In five playoff games, Winnik had one assist.
Kurz says: Although the trade to bring in Winnik seemed to derail the Sharks already thin offense at the time, the big winger did provide good energy and physicality on the teams third and fourth lines. Unfortunately, though, Winnik wasnt able to help the Sharks penalty killing, which was one of the reasons he was acquired along withTJ Galiardi in exchange for Jamie McGinn. Winnik was used to a much more aggressive PK philosophy in Colorado, while San Jose had a much more passive, technical approachsomething thats expected to change before next season.
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SLIDESHOW: Grading the Sharks
Brodie says: Of all San Joses acquisitions this season, Winnik had among the least amount of time to acclimate to the team, but also took the least duration to do exactly that. His minutes in 26 total games for the Sharks were steady, but fluctuated: logging as few as 9-10, and as many as 17. Still, a lesser amount than the 18-20 he was regularly skating in Colorado.
Winnik is listed as 62, 210 lbs, but seemed to play much bigger than that. Although Id prefer to use fancy, eloquent words here: the best way to describe Dans game, is that he just flat out plays hard. Lots of skating, and lots of body-work below the dots in the offensive zone. And in that same vein, he brings a certain simplicity: a 2-way player who is strong on the puck and responsible in both ends of the ice.
Interesting fact: Winnik was the only player in the NHL to tally 84 games this season. Cody Hodgson played 83 with Vancouver and Buffalo. Ninety-seven other skaters played in 82 games for their respective teams.
San Jose Sharks
2012-13 expectations
Kurz says: If the Sharks do in fact change their philosophy on the penalty kill, keeping the unrestricted free agent-to-be would make sense. Winnik is a guy that can bring energy to the bottom two lines, as the Sharks witnessed in his brief time here, as well as allow top players to rest while the team is shorthanded. Winnik certainly appeared to enjoy San Jose, but at the same time, is probably tempted to test the open market for the first time in his career. Hes not a guy thats going to command a huge salary, of course, but it only takes two teams to up the price.
Furthermore, you have to wonder if theres extra incentive for the Sharks to ink Winnik to an extension, in that the McGinn trade will look that much worse if he walks.
Related: Winniks statssplitsgame logs
Brodie says: While difficult to judge the full scope of Winniks potential in San Jose after just one-quarter of a season, the team would be best off to find out for the course of a full schedule long as both parties can agree to a mutually beneficial contract. As mentioned, hes a player who could help impose that new aggressive style on the Penalty Kill, in addition to his Clowe-esque game at even strength. In essence, he is the kind of depth forward the Sharks are looking to acquire, so why not utilize Winnik instead of continuing the search?