It’s been just over a week since the San Jose Sharks were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals and already Doug Wilson’s begun his offseason – acquiring Maxim Letunov from the Arizona Coyotes.
Along with Letunov, the Sharks will receive a 2017 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2016 fourth-rounder and a 2017 third-rounder, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
The 20-year-old Russian was originally selected in the second round (52nd overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2014.
He spent the 2015-16 season in the NCAA with the University of Connecticut Huskies. In 36 games with the Huskies, Letunov led the club in goals (16), assists (24) and points (40).
Prior to that, he spent two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL scoring 107 points (44g-63a) in 118 regular season games. He plays with a lot of offensive upside and the ability to make plays in close to the net.
While he’s not the most physical player, he has shown some glimpses of toughness during the past few seasons. He’s can still fill out – standing at six-foot-four and just 170 pounds.
The Sharks have a strong veteran presence in their lineup and the addition of Letunov will help the youth movement they have going on with Tomas Hertl and Joonas Donskoi among others.
With the trade, the Sharks now have three sixth-round picks in 2017 and will head into this year’s draft with just five picks.