San Jose Sharks prospect Danil Gushchin enters the 2025 off-season as a restricted free agent.
The 23-year-old is coming off another successful season with the San Jose Barracuda. Guschin made the Sharks roster out of training camp, but spent most of the season in the AHL. In 56 games, Guschin had 28 goals and 23 assists.
Gushchin scored the game-winning goal in overtime during the Barracuda’s second-round playoff series.
“I had some shots on goal, but at the end of the day, I think I need to score more goals to be a better player. And the team can win games,” Gushchin said.
Gushchin has played just 18 games in the NHL with the Sharks, but he played a career-high of 12 in 24-25. The San Jose Sharks prospect wants to play in the NHL and was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
When asked if he wants to play in North America next season, Gushchin responded, “We’ll see.”
He clarified his feelings in a later answer, “Yes. I want to play in the NHL.”
When asked if KHL teams contacted him, Gushchin didn’t confirm or deny. The Sharks prospect said he would take some time to discuss the decision with his agent and family.
The winger was certainly pressed about his future as a free agent, but after making the San Jose Sharks roster out of camp, Gushchin was asked if he felt he got a fair shot.
“[The Sharks] know better,” Gushchin said. “You should ask them.”
Although the winger was a bit frustrated, he understood what he needed to improve to play in the NHL full-time.
“[My play without puck. Be around the guys in the D-zone,” Gushchin explained. “Just be aware. Where’s my guy in the D zone? Playing good on the walls and maybe a better shot.”
Gushchin’s time in the San Jose Sharks organization remains unclear, but both sides must decide what is best for their futures.
Read more news and stories about the San Jose Sharks on Sharks Hockey Digest! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!
Phil
May 9, 2025 at 3:24 pm
It’s a mistake if he is not re-signed