Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Burish was expected to bring energy and leadership when he signed a four-year deal with the San Jose Sharks in the summer of 2012. However, Burish has struggled to find a regular place within the Sharks’ lineup and has been the most disappointing player for San Jose so far.
Burish, who has never been a scoring threat throughout his NHL career, hasn’t produced in his time in teal. Burish has been a minus player (minus-17 combined) each of his two-plus seasons in San Jose, including being a minus-six this season. Burish has only contributed two goals and four assists during his tenure in San Jose, which has also seen him battle his fair share of injuries.
Coming into this season, Burish had to know his spot in the lineup was on thin ice. General Manager Doug Wilson stressed in the offseason how he wanted to give younger players in the organization more of a role within the team. That included players such as Barclay Goodrow and Chris Tierney, who have provided a spark amongst the bottom-six forwards. Goodrow recently scored his first career NHL goal in the Sharks 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on December 9.
Burish played in the Sharks’ first 20 games this season, before being sent down to their minor league affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, on November 23. In his seven games in Worcester, Burish has added a goal and two assists, but is a minus-one. With the recent success that the Sharks have experienced, winning seven of their past eight games, it’s tough to imagine Burish returning to the Sharks anytime soon.
While Burish was never expected to provide much on the scoresheet, he was expected to maintain a place on the Sharks’ third and fourth lines and provide a presence on the forecheck, the penalty kill and the faceoff circle. However, Burish has not been able to maintain his place in San Jose and has been a disappointment for the Sharks this season.
Patrick Leiva is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter and add him to your network on Google.
