Sharks’ Regenda and Cardwell Shine in Preseason Victory

The San Jose Sharks secured a convincing 4-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on September 29, 2023, showcasing a pair of standout performances from wingers Pavol Regenda and Ethan Cardwell during their preseason match at T-Mobile Arena. Both players finished the game with four points, raising questions about their prospects for a spot on the team as they head into the regular season.

Cardwell’s offensive prowess was particularly evident as he netted a hat trick, with all three goals assisted by Regenda. The duo played effectively against a Golden Knights squad largely made up of NHL players, demonstrating their potential value. In addition to their contributions, goalie Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves, ensuring a strong defensive performance as the Sharks rebounded from three consecutive losses.

The Sharks conclude their exhibition schedule on September 30, 2023, in Salt Lake City against the Utah Mammoth before opening the regular season at home on October 5, 2023, against the Golden Knights.

Evaluating Roster Decisions

The performances of Regenda and Cardwell have added complexity to the Sharks’ roster decisions. While Cardwell impressed with his offensive skills and was one of the team’s top penalty killers, his status remains uncertain as he is waivers-exempt. This allows the Sharks to consider recalling him should injuries occur within the squad.

In contrast, Regenda’s situation is more precarious. The 25-year-old must pass through waivers if the Sharks wish to assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Barracuda. Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in January for forward Justin Bailey, Regenda had a productive stint with the Barracuda last season, posting 25 points in 36 regular-season games. Despite this, he did not receive a call-up to the NHL.

“I’ve been working my ass off every day, just trying to play simple,” Regenda stated. “That’s what the Sharks expect from me, and I’m just trying to do what the coaches say and show them that I belong here. We will see.”

With multiple new additions to the Sharks’ forward group, including Jeff Skinner and Adam Gaudette, as well as trades for Philipp Kurashev and Ryan Reaves, the competition for roster spots is intense. The Sharks also selected Michael Misa second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, further complicating the lineup.

Assessing the Future of Misa and Defenseman Dickinson

The future of Misa, along with the Sharks’ defensive lineup, is a focal point for head coach Ryan Warsofsky. After a solid performance, defenseman Sam Dickinson logged a team-high 23 minutes of ice time and was noted for his ability to play in all situations, despite being credited with four giveaways.

If Dickinson secures a roster spot, it could limit the Sharks to just 13 forwards. This dynamic places Misa’s future in question, particularly as Collin Graf and Carl Grundstrom also vie for NHL roles. Observers speculate that Misa could begin the season with the Sharks, potentially playing nine games before a decision is made on whether to retain him or return him to the OHL.

“Steady improvement,” Warsofsky said regarding Misa’s potential. “He’ll go through his bumps in the road, and he’ll have to learn from it. It’s probably going to come down to the pace of the game and if we feel comfortable playing him in an NHL environment.”

As the Sharks finalize their roster, they will need to weigh the performances of these players carefully, particularly with the regular season approaching rapidly. The decisions made in the coming days will significantly shape the team’s strategy and depth heading into the new campaign.