The NCAA signing madness continues, with Dylan Gambrell officially inking his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks. Gambrell was expected to turn pro after his junior season at the University of Denver, and will sign the maximum two-year entry-level deal. It’s not clear if the contract will start this season or next, which will determine whether or not he suits up for the Sharks or San Jose Barracuda down the stretch.
Gambrell, 21, was selected in the second round in his final year of eligibility in 2016 and is a dynamic offensive player. Recording at least 40 points in each of his three seasons at DU, and was a nominee for the 2018 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as one of the best players in the country. Part of a trio of talented DU forwards heading for the NHL (Troy Terry, Henrik Borgstrom), Gambrell is sometimes considered a byproduct of the solid Denver program and doubted for his ability to continue producing at the next level.
Still, there is something to be said about the ability to perform alongside talented players and Gambrell has basically never disappointed in that role. He’ll likely need to be featured on a scoring line to really reach his NHL ceiling, but his versatility and work ethic could allow him to fit into a role in the bottom six. His vision and ability to get the puck to teammates in space is excellent, and though there are few standout physical skills that would separate him from the pack in the professional ranks—except perhaps his first few strides, which are quick and powerful—he always seems to drive play in the offensive zone.