by Nick Nollenberger | AHL On The Beat
When the San Jose Sharks signed veterans Andrew Poturalski and Jimmy Schuldt to free-agent contracts this summer season, they weren’t simply bolstering organizational depth – they have been including two of the AHL’s finest gamers at their respective positions.
Poturalski, a two-time AHL scoring champion and two-time Calder Cup winner, is extensively considered one of many league’s premier centermen. Schuldt, who alongside Poturalski helped lead the Coachella Valley Firebirds to back-to-back Calder Cup Finals, has emerged as one of many AHL’s high shut-down defenders.
Via the primary two-and-a-half months of the 2024-25 season, these free-agent additions have exceeded expectations with the Barracuda. Poturalski has been instrumental in driving a top-five energy play and one of many league’s finest offenses, whereas Schuldt anchors a stingy defensive corps and a top-tier penalty kill.
Collectively, they’ve performed a pivotal function in serving to their new crew obtain their finest begin in years.
Whereas their on-ice contributions are evident, their biggest affect is likely to be felt off the ice.
“They’ve been nice for us,” stated Barracuda head coach John McCarthy. “They’ve actually modified the tradition in our room. The way in which they deal with different gamers and are available to the rink on daily basis is contagious.”
In November, Schuldt was named the sixth captain in franchise historical past, regardless of this being his first season with the Barracuda.
“Jimmy has been a pacesetter from day one,” stated McCarthy. “The way in which he carries himself and his professionalism have been a privilege to educate.”
Though Schuldt had by no means worn the captain’s “C” on the skilled stage earlier than, he had served as an alternate captain a number of instances and was a three-time captain throughout his school profession at St. Cloud State College. The brand new function hasn’t modified his method or demeanor.
“A giant a part of my job is to assist guys with questions and ease their transition into skilled hockey,” stated Schuldt. “I bear in mind what I went via as a younger participant, so I’m doing my finest to assist them.”
Poturalski was significantly proud when Schuldt was named captain.
“Tremendous proud,” Poturalski stated. “J-Mac (McCarthy) advised me immediately, and I couldn’t consider anybody extra deserving. Jimmy’s been a captain at so many ranges… three years in school, which is uncommon. He does the appropriate issues on daily basis, works onerous, stays humble, and units an incredible instance for everybody.”
The bond between Poturalski and Schuldt extends past the rink. The 2 have been roommates on the street throughout their time in Coachella Valley, the place they shaped a detailed friendship. Their households are additionally shut, with Schuldt turning into a de facto uncle to Poturalski’s two younger youngsters.
“Poturalski is somebody I’ve actually regarded as much as over the previous two years,” Schuldt stated. “He was the captain in Coachella Valley, and as my roommate, I’ve realized a lot from him.”
The Barracuda have changed into contenders within the Western Convention this season, trying to finish a four-year playoff drought. Successful, typically a realized ability, has been accelerated by the Sharks’ offseason strikes. Along with Poturalski and Schuldt, they signed Lucas Carlsson and added confirmed AHL gamers like Colin White and Joey Keane, in addition to veterans Scott Sabourin and Justin Bailey. The mix of expertise and youth has helped the crew jell shortly.
“We have now a extremely good combine,” stated Schuldt. “[The young guys] are coming alongside very well.”
Poturalski echoed the sentiment.
“It’s undoubtedly an thrilling time. We’ve obtained an incredible group, a superb mixture of vets and rookies. It’s been enjoyable to leap proper in and be a part of it.”
Younger gamers, like Thomas Bordeleau, have benefited significantly from the management of Poturalski and Schuldt.
“Schuldtsy is a superb captain and chief,” stated Bordeleau. “He and Potsy deliver a lot power and positivity to the room. They’re nice on and off the ice.”
Common supervisor Joe Will emphasised the significance of signing gamers with AHL success who nonetheless attempt for NHL alternatives. Each Poturalski and Schuldt match that mildew completely. They continue to be motivated to get again as much as the sport’s highest stage.
“Each single day, my purpose is to push and get to that stage,” stated Schuldt. “I imagine I can, and I attempt to enhance on daily basis.”
That dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by teammates, together with rookie defenseman Jake Furlong.
“Being round Jim these previous few months, particularly in the summertime, you see his professionalism,” stated Furlong. “He’s somebody I actually look as much as. The way in which he works, each on and off the ice, is a giant a part of his success.”
In some ways, Poturalski and Schuldt are kindred spirits. Each have been school stars who went undrafted however have carved out distinctive skilled careers. Their successful mentality and management proceed to set the tone for a Barracuda crew that has turn out to be one of many hardest to face within the league.
