{"id":8716028,"date":"2023-01-13T14:24:14","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T22:24:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/?p=8716028&preview=true&preview_id=8716028"},"modified":"2023-01-15T10:19:34","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T18:19:34","slug":"sharks-forward-grows-frustrated-with-repeated-scratches-i-feel-like-i-should-be-playing-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2023\/01\/13\/sharks-forward-grows-frustrated-with-repeated-scratches-i-feel-like-i-should-be-playing-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Sharks forward grows frustrated with repeated scratches, wants more communication"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN JOSE \u2013 By the midway point of last season, even though he spent the first few weeks of the year in the AHL, Noah Gregor had played 25 games for the Sharks, mostly in a middle-six forward role.<\/p>\n

In the second half of last season, Gregor was in the lineup almost every night.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a vastly different experience so far this year for Gregor, who will be a healthy scratch for an eighth-straight game Friday when the Sharks host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n

Last season, the speedy Gregor had 23 points in 63 games and was fifth on the team with 156 shots, as he looked like a player who was just starting to come into his own. This season, though, Gregor has just two goals, has only played in 19 of the Sharks\u2019 first 44 games, and has been mainly in the bottom-six forward group.<\/p>\n

Sharks coach David Quinn said earlier this week that he and Gregor, 24, have had \u201cseveral conversations\u201d about what the expectations are of him. But Gregor said he\u2019d like to have more communication.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s tough when you’ve missed this many in a row,\u201d Gregor told Bay Area News Group on Friday morning. \u201cTo talk to (the coaches) as much as you want, I\u2019d probably like a little more communication. It\u2019s frustrating. I feel like I should be playing more than I have this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also believe that I could have played better in some of the games I’ve played in, but it’s frustrating when you play in less than half of the games.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gregor has averaged 11:58 of ice time per game so far this season, down from the 14:56 he averaged a year ago. He finished last season with 13 points in his last 26 games, finding some chemistry late in the year with then-linemates Rudolfs Balcers and Thomas Bordeleau.<\/p>\n

But the Sharks bolstered their forward depth in the offseason with free-agent signings like Nico Sturm, Evgeny Svechnikov, and Oskar Lindblom, and acquired Steven Lorentz and Luke Kunin via trade. Last week, the Sharks claimed Michael Eyssimont off waivers, adding even more internal competition for ice time.<\/p>\n

Quinn said earlier this week that he wants consistent competitiveness from Gregor, adding that \u201che’s working hard on trying to get to that and the next time he gets in there, hopefully, he takes advantage of the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c(Quinn\u2019s) words to me have always just been consistency, so I’m trying to try to work on that, trying to keep a positive attitude in practice,\u201d said Gregor, who has spent his share of time after morning skates working with assistant coaches Brian Wiseman and Ryan Warsofsky.<\/p>\n

\"San
San Jose Sharks center Thomas Bordeleau (23), center Noah Gregor (73) and left wing Rudolfs Balcers (92) celebrate Gregor’s goal during the first period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, April 21, 2022. (AP Photo\/Josie Lepe) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cHopefully, when I get the call again, I’m ready to go because I’ve been practicing and working hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gregor hasn\u2019t played since Dec. 27 and is eligible to be sent to the Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, for a conditioning assignment. Gregor would have to agree to the loan, which cannot last more than 14 days, during which time he would remain on the Sharks\u2019 active roster. Both Gregor and Quinn said that particular conversation hasn\u2019t taken place.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to play and I want to play in the NHL first,\u201d Gregor said. \u201cSo, I haven’t talked about that or looked into that, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gregor is one of several pending restricted free agents in the Sharks organization, a list that includes Timo Meier, Jonah Gadjovich, and Eyssimont, plus Scott Reedy and Jasper Weatherby in the AHL. As general manager Mike Grier continues to put his stamp on the franchise, it\u2019s fair to wonder at this stage whether Gregor fits into the team\u2019s long-term plans.<\/p>\n