Former San Jose Sharks defenseman Calen Addison is still looking for a new team to play for, and the New York Islanders can be a strong fit for a professional tryout.
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Addison was dealt from the Minnesota Wild to the Sharks shortly after the season started in 23-24. On paper, the Sharks were adding a solid, puck-moving d-man who was stuck behind some players on the depth chart with the Wild.
Unfortunately, the offensive upside didn’t pan out for the Sharks and Addison. In 60 games with the Sharks, the 24-year-old scored just one goal and added 11 assists. He had scored five assists in 12 games with the Wild.
Addison showed flashes of his puck-moving ability throughout the season, but the lack of consistency made it hard for former Sharks head coach David Quinn to trust him.
Related: Last Night’s Sharks Win Wasn’t Perfect; Calen Addison Was Benched
The Islanders have a No. 1 defenseman in Noah Dobson. Dobson had a career-high ten goals and 60 assists last season. Their next best puck-moving defenseman is Mike Reilly. Reilly was helpful for the Islanders after they acquired him, but after those two, a void is left for a puck-mover.
Addison’s first pass on the breakout was almost always on the tape, and with a strong skating ability, he would be upgrading the skill of the Islanders’ backend.
Right-handed defensemen still hold some extra value in the league, especially if they can move the puck. Addison can draw defenders close and create passing lanes.
With Dobson atop the depth chart on Long Island, the pressure for Addison to play like a true No. 1 offensive defenseman will be taken off his shoulders. Given his success in a similar role with the Wild, the Islanders can provide a low-risk chance for Addison to find that form behind Dobson with a PTO.
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