San Jose Sharks forward Fabian Zetterlund is on his way to becoming one of the NHL’s best pure goalscorers.
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Zetterlund was the only player to play all 82 games last season and scored a team-high 24 goals. His previous career high was six goals in 45 games with the New Jersey Devils. The 24-year-old found himself in a top-line role for most of the season after not scoring a goal in 22 games after the trade in 2023.
Stop us if you’ve heard this before… THAT’S ZETTERLUND ON THE POWER PLAY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KlOCudgv4C
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) April 2, 2024
Zetterlund displayed his elite shot all season in 23-24. He showed great chemistry with Mikael Granlund and Anthony Duclair before he was traded, and his ice time jumped from 13:53 to 18:51 last season.
Zettelrund became a focal point on special teams. He was on the top powerplay unit and one of David Quinn’s main penalty killers. His speed and defensive stick skills allowed him to generate offense from time to time while shorthanded.
Team Teal lights the lamp to cut the lead in half 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Q7Dsfa2I9B
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) December 8, 2023
Newly signed Sharks forward Tyler Toffoli had a similar trajectory after his 2014-15 season breakout for the Los Angeles Kings. In 76 games, the winger scored 23 goals. During the 15-16 season, Toffoli scored 31 goals, the first time he had scored 30+ in his career.
So what’s stopping Zetterlund from continuing this trajectory? Nothing. The forward showed off his offseason strengthening program, lifting what looked like roughly 575 lbs.
Fabian Zetterlund might be a problem this year…
260kg = about 575lbs, approximately the weight of THREE Henry Thruns. 😅
(🎥 IG: aholmberg18) #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/jDQv2mh47g
— SnipeCity420 (@SnipeCity420) August 2, 2024
The Swedish winger could start with the coined ‘Lund’ line with Granlund and William Eklund, but he also has a chance to join the projected duo of Toffoli and No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini.
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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