San Jose Sharks prospect Patrick Giles was a relatively unknown player when he was acquired from the Florida Panthers, but he’s not anymore.
The 6’5 center has gone from an undrafted prospect to a dependable top-six center for the San Jose Barracuda. The Sharks recognized something in his game surrounding his hockey IQ.
Giles had been in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers when he was traded. The Sharks didn’t send the 25-year-old to the Barracuda right away. Giles immediately got a chance in the NHL with the Sharks and showed good promise.
He scored his first goal for the Sharks and his career in his second game with the team.
“Starting with the Sharks was amazing. I think [it] was huge for experience and development. Just picking up on things from the staff and other players to bring down here for this playoff stretch,” Giles said. “Getting sent down is never great, but when you can come down and be a part of a winning playoff team, that’s something special. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
In 39 games with Charlotte, Giles had five goals and two assists. In eight games with the Barracuda after he was sent down, Giles scored four goals. One was shorthanded, one was on the power play, and two of the four were game-winners.
“I think getting your first game is huge when you haven’t gotten it. Then once you’re there, I think the next thing that’s on your mind is getting that first goal, and that was amazing to get,” Giles said. “But now the next thing is sticking around, being an NHL player. Getting that goal gave me a lot of confidence that I’m able to do this and continue that into next year.”
The San Jose Sharks acquired Giles with high hopes for his development. His progression to a useful fourth-line center and penalty killer is the exact depth piece the Sharks will need for an eventual playoff run.
“Special teams are so important, especially in the postseason. We want to be on the right side of that,” Giles said. “A lot of that is playing smart, but not losing that edge, that that we play with. Continuing to play with that edge, but being smart is going to be huge down the stretch for us.”
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