We’re back with the latest edition of our greatest Sharks by sweater number series. Now that we are through the first 50, let’s look at numbers 51-60. As a reminder, these players’ tenures with the Sharks are only going to be considered. There will also be some numbers that no players have worn, so we’ll skip over them when we get there. With that out of the way, let’s dive into it.
Best Sharks by Sweater Number: 51-60
#51 – Brian Campbell
This is a spot on the list that could change hands this season. Collin Graf currently wears #51, but he has to spend a bit more time in Teal to be considered. That leaves us with Campbell, who was traded to the Sharks at the 2008 Trade Deadline from the Buffalo Sabres. This was amid the best season of his career, a campaign in which he had 62 points. In San Jose, he had 19 points in 20 games and was a key addition to the power play. The Sharks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, but Campbell was a key factor in getting to that point. He signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in free agency.
#52 – Matt Irwin
Irwin spent the first three seasons of his career with the Sharks, from 2012-2015. He was a solid defenceman who was not known for offensive production. He threw the body and blocked shots while playing a depth role. Irwin signed with the Boston Bruins before the 2015-16 season, bringing his time with the Sharks to a close.
#53 – Joe Pavelski
Pavelski wore number 53 for his rookie campaign (2006-07). He tore up the AHL at the beginning of the year with 26 points in just 16 games. The Sharks called up Pavelski and he continued his solid campaign. He finished the year with 14 goals and 28 points in 46 games. However, Pavelski only played a limited role in the playoffs. Following this season, Pavelski switched to #8 and became one of the greatest players in San Jose history.
#54 – Scott Reedy
Reedy has spent the last three seasons in the AHL. However, in 2021-22, Reedy played 35 games with the Sharks. In his 11 minutes of ice time per game, he had seven goals and nine points. This stretch of games has been Reedy’s only chance in the NHL so far. Reedy is a member of the Dallas Stars organization and is vying for another chance in the NHL.
#55 – Grant Stevenson
Stevenson only spent one year in the NHL (2005-06). He had a solid season, with 10 goals and 22 points in just 47 games. He only saw just over 11 minutes per game and limited power play time, which made his offensive output all the more impressive. Stevenson spent the following three years in the AHL before playing in Switzerland.
#57 – Tommy Wingels
No player has worn #56, so we move on to Tommy Wingels. He was a member of the Sharks from 201o to 2016, with the final three years of his tenure being the most productive. Wingels saw limited NHL time from 2010 to 2013 but, in 2013-14, he saw an extended run with the Sharks. He scored 16 and 15 goals in 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively and turned himself into an important depth piece. In each of these three seasons, Wingels had over 200 hits. Following the 2016 run to the Stanley Cup Final, he was a part of the trade to the Ottawa Senators for Erik Karlsson.
#59 – Brad Staubitz
With no one wearing #58, we’ll take a look at Brad Staubitz wearing #59. Make no mistake, Staubitz was an enforcer. He spent the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons with the Sharks. In 82 games between the two years, he had just nine points but 186 penalty minutes. He only played just over six minutes per game but had 123 hits in that span. The Minnesota Wild acquired Staubitz after the 2010 season.
#60 – Jason Demers
Demers spent the first three seasons in San Jose wearing #60 before switching to #5. Demers spent these first years establishing himself as an offensive defenceman. He achieved this by increasing his ice time and power play time year after year. He also had over 20 points in his first two years. After transitioning to #5, he had the best campaign of his career.
Didn’t Make the Cut
Admittedly, this is a weak section for the Sharks sweater number segment. There are no all-time greats in this region. That being said, there are still some players that made a push. Radim Šimek, Collin Graf (51), Givani Smith (54) and Ben Eager (55) come to mind. This series was inspired by the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues. You can check out their lists as well. We will continue this series with numbers 61-70.
Main Photo: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
