Defenceman Leon Gawanke has been a real bright spot for the San Jose Barracuda this season, who have struggled in their own zone. However, disappointing news came out earlier today that he has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination.
Gawanke was new to San Jose this season, having spent the previous four seasons with the Manitoba Moose after being drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2017 Draft. He has 27 points in 38 games with the Barracuda, which is good for fourth on the team, and he has been one of their best defencemen, especially with Shakir Mukhamadullin and Henry Thrun up with the Sharks for now.
However, despite having a good individual season, the defenceman is returning to Germany, where he is reportedly signing with the DEL’s Alder Mannheim, per the Mercury News. This news comes off the back of the offseason departure of many of the team’s veteran players, as well as the player Gawanke was traded for, Artemi Knyazev, who is now in the KHL playing for Ak Bars Kazan.
The Barracuda have been leaning heavily on Gawanke this season, and without him and Mukhamadullin, the climb to the Calder Cup Playoffs is going to get even harder. The next highest scoring D is new Captain Radim Simek, who has 15 points, and no other defenceman has more than eight. With the trade deadline coming up, and the Sharks poised to sell off some NHL bodies, will there be reinforcements coming in the form of AHL players for the Barracuda?
The Barracuda are currently 10th in the Pacific Division with a record of 14-22-7-0 and a .407 points percentage. They’re tied with Laval for most goals allowed this season.
Next Up:
They return to play tomorrow night at 7pm PST against the Bakersfield Condors in Bakersfield. Their next home game is Saturday, February 10, also against the Condors, at 6pm PST.
