San Jose Sharks: Surprises and Disappointments from Preseason

Disappointment: Freddie Hamilton

Sep 16, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Frank Corrado (26) tries to stop San Jose Sharks forward Freddie Hamilton (75) from advancing during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Before this training camp, I had Freddie Hamilton ranked as the 15^th forward on the team, possibly flipping with #14, Tye McGinn, depending on training camp. He was one of eight players to get cut, making the roster 31 players (19 forwards).

For him to go from 15^th to 20-24^th (because there were four forwards in this group to be cut) is a huge disappointment. His performance in training camp and the 11 NHL games last season (0G+0A), probably combined to result in the early demotion.

Last season, Hamilton led the Worcester Sharks in goals (22) and points (43), and was tied for second in assists (21). I think that this was his biggest training camp, pressure-wise. With all of the talk that anybody can earn whatever position they want, and the fact that he came so close last year, makes it all that more disappointing.

Last year, after initially making the team, he was sent down before the first game in exchange for tough guy Matt Pelech. Many thought he would be right back up before the second game of the season, but instead, the club recalled John McCarthy. Various players would go back and fourth, but not until the end of October would Hamilton get promoted again, and even then, he only played 11 games.