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 time, they weren’t simply bolstering organizational depth – they had 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 broadly 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 prime shut-down defenders.
By 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 staff obtain their finest begin in years.
Whereas their on-ice contributions are evident, their biggest affect may be felt off the ice.
“They’ve been nice for us,” mentioned Barracuda head coach John McCarthy. “They’ve actually modified the tradition in our room. The best way they deal with different gamers and are available to the rink day by day 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,” mentioned McCarthy. “The best way 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 degree earlier than, he had served as an alternate captain a number of instances and was a three-time captain throughout his faculty 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,” mentioned Schuldt. “I keep in mind what I went by means of as a younger participant, so I’m doing my finest to assist them.”
Poturalski was notably proud when Schuldt was named captain.
“Tremendous proud,” Poturalski mentioned. “J-Mac (McCarthy) informed me immediately, and I couldn’t consider anybody extra deserving. Jimmy’s been a captain at so many ranges… three years in faculty, which is uncommon. He does the appropriate issues day by day, works laborious, stays humble, and units an excellent instance for everybody.”
The bond between Poturalski and Schuldt extends past the rink. The 2 had been roommates on the highway throughout their time in Coachella Valley, the place they fashioned an in depth 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 mentioned. “He was the captain in Coachella Valley, and as my roommate, I’ve discovered a lot from him.”
The Barracuda have was contenders within the Western Convention this season, trying to finish a four-year playoff drought. Profitable, usually a discovered 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 staff jell rapidly.
“We now have a extremely good combine,” mentioned Schuldt. “[The young guys] are coming alongside very well.”
Poturalski echoed the sentiment.
“It’s positively an thrilling time. We’ve received an excellent group, 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 enormously from the management of Poturalski and Schuldt.
“Schuldtsy is a good captain and chief,” mentioned Bordeleau. “He and Potsy convey a lot power and positivity to the room. They’re nice on and off the ice.”
Basic supervisor Joe Will emphasised the significance of signing gamers with AHL success who nonetheless try for NHL alternatives. Each Poturalski and Schuldt match that mould completely. They continue to be motivated to get again as much as the sport’s highest degree.
“Each single day, my objective is to push and get to that degree,” mentioned Schuldt. “I imagine I can, and I attempt to enhance day by day.”
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,” mentioned Furlong. “He’s somebody I actually look as much as. The best way 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 had been faculty stars who went undrafted however have carved out distinctive skilled careers. Their profitable mentality and management proceed to set the tone for a Barracuda staff that has change into one of many hardest to face within the league.
