Bold truth: Dellandrea’s perseverance is reshaping his career, and it’s changing how a player earns trust midseason. But here’s where it gets controversial: not every veteran role is permanent, and a single season can redefine a player’s entire trajectory. Here’s a fresh take on the same story, with clearer explanations and practical context for newcomers.
Preview/Lines #29: How Dellandrea Won Over His Coach and the Sharks’ Strategic Shake-Up
DALLAS — Ty Dellandrea entered the season with more questions than certainties about his path in professional hockey.
“I wasn’t sure what the situation would be. I didn’t know if I’d make the team, if I’d play, or if I’d even stay with the organization,” he admitted.
Heading into the final year of a two-year, $2.6 million contract signed in 2024, Dellandrea was traded from the Dallas Stars to the Sharks for a fourth-round pick. He arrived after a challenging first season in teal, often a fourth-line presence and occasionally a healthy scratch, averaging just 11:48 per game.
The Sharks spent the summer adding depth to the bottom six, picking up Adam Gaudette, Jeff Skinner, and Ryan Reaves, while also keeping a standout prospect, Collin Graf, in the pipeline.
A traditional projection might have suggested Dellandrea would end up in waivers after training camp. Yet, at a pivotal point in his career, the 25-year-old earned head coach Ryan Warsofsky’s confidence this season.
He has progressed from a fourth-line winger to a first-pierce third-line center, leading the team with a 51.9% faceoff win rate, anchoring the penalty kill, delivering consistent effort, and averaging 14:44 of ice time per night.
“Training camp was crucial for him to win that role, and he stacked several strong performances together. It’s a game of mistakes, but he’s an all-out effort player who brings energy every night and finds ways to impact the game even when a particular night isn’t perfect,” Warsofsky explained. “He treats every game like his last, and that level of urgency is exactly what this team needs more of.”
Dellandrea added, “Being consistent with that nightly effort probably helps him earn my trust as well.”
Looking ahead, Dellandrea might not end up as a long-term solution at 3C in the NHL—he has two goals and six assists in 28 games—but his daily, hardworking attitude has already solidified his future in the league.
“He knows his career is on the line,” Warsofsky noted. “In years past, plenty of players on this roster didn’t fully grasp that reality, and it showed.”
That predicament becomes a teachable moment for the team and its players alike. Dellandrea, a 2017 first-round pick of the Stars, believes there’s more two-way impact to unlock.
“We’re focused on everything needed to generate more offense and continue growing my game. I feel better than last year, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “My mindset isn’t changing anytime soon. I’m still competing for a job every night.”
San Jose Sharks (13-12-3)
Yaroslav Askarov is slated to start.
Vincent Iorio, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Ryan Reaves will be scratched.
Nick Leddy will come in for Iorio, taking the right side alongside Sam Dickinson.
“This is a fast game. He needs to defend more effectively,” Warsofsky commented on Iorio, adding that he should be more assertive.
That stance aligns with Warsofsky’s views on Mukhamadullin, who remains out of the lineup as he continues to develop.
John Klingberg is expected to be part of a power-play unit, though Warsofsky did not specify which one.
Jeff Skinner re-enters the lineup, replacing Reaves who is nursing a minor injury.
“Reavo is a bit nicked up, so we’re giving him time to recover while we make the most of a long road trip and keep everyone fresh,” Warsofsky explained. “With 13 forwards on the trip, this is a good moment for adjustments.”
Warsofsky refrained from detailing every lineup change, but after a 7-1 loss to the Capitals, expect a few tweaks.
Dallas Stars (18-5-5)
Texas Hockey Morning Skate Update:
- No lineup changes from Wednesday’s game against New Jersey.
- Jake Oettinger will start in goal vs. The Future is Teal.
- Harley and Lundkvist participated in morning skate and are listed as day-to-day. Duchene did not skate with the group.
On the horizon
The puck drops at 5 PM PT for Sharks at Stars at the American Airlines Center. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California and available on the Sharks Audio Network for listening.
Key themes to watch
- Dellandrea’s role evolution demonstrates how a player can convert early adversity into a sustained, energizing contribution. Expect his average ice time to reflect growing trust from the coaching staff.
- The Sharks’ depth moves indicate a broader strategic shift to balance veteran leadership with developmental prospects, particularly in defense and bottom-six contributions.
- The broader question for spectators: How much should a player’s past draft position influence current opportunities, and where should the line be drawn between place on the depth chart and actual performance? Would you adjust a player’s role based on daily effort, or should you prioritize established metrics?
Would you rather see Dellandrea continue growing as a two-way contributor in a forward role, or pursue a long-term strategic shift with a different offensive structure? Share your thoughts in the comments.
