San Jose Sharks centerman Alexander Wennberg has come into training camp looking healthy and with improved speed.
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters that Wennberg looks like he could play in a regular-season game already.
“I think Wennberg has looked really good,” Warsofsky said. “He’s skating, and you can see that he looks like he’s in mid-season [form]. He put some work in the summer.”
Wennberg had a strong start to his first season with the Sharks, but faded as the season went on. The Swede finished with 10 goals and 25 assists in 77 games. Wennberg told reporters that he wanted to work on his finishing ability over the summer, in an effort to score more goals. The Sharks have an open competition to be the second-line center, and Wennberg is firmly entrenched in that fight.
“I’m pushing for it. I want to be that guy. With [Granlund] leaving last year, with the trade, and then for me to fill his shoes,” Wennberg said. “This is part of the responsibility and the way I want to play my game. I think that fits my game. Right now, you got to earn it.”
No. 2 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Michael Misa, has impressed through two days of San Jose Sharks training camp. The 18-year-old is another option for coach Warsofsky to use as the 2C.
More opportunity means better chances at making the Olympics
If Wennberg takes over the Sharks’ 2C role, his ice time will be higher, allowing him to have a better chance of being a difference maker. He will be a key player on the Sharks’ special teams, and if he continues to produce on the power play, Sweden could take notice.
Wennberg will have to make a massive impact during the first part of the season. After not being named to Sweden’s Four Nations Face-Off squad, the Sharks center will have to take someone else’s spot on the roster. NHL.com doesn’t project Wennberg to be on Sweden’s team, but there is still time.
“It would be amazing to play. I feel like that’s something that motivates you a little bit more as well,” Wennberg said. “I’m going to use that as fuel and going to make a push.”
Wennberg is also a pending free agent after this season. The center wants to build on an already solid introduction to the Sharks with an even better second season.
“I mean, I’m not here to have a good first season and relax on it. I’m playing a full 82-game season and putting all my efforts in,” Wennberg explained.
Wennberg has been skating on a line with Quentin Musty and Tyler Toffoli during San Jose Sharks training camp.
For all the coverage on the Sharks this season, read on Hockey Hot Stove and Sharks Hockey Digest.
