Sharks Norris Trade Regret: Stutzle Pick, Pavelski Decision
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Sharks Owner Hasso Plattner publicly Regrets Draft Decisions, Pavelski Departure
In a rare and candid address to the media on Thursday, October 12, 2023, San Jose Sharks owner Hasso Plattner openly admitted regret over past personnel decisions, specifically the failure to draft Tim Stützle and Adam Norris, and the departure of longtime captain Joe Pavelski. Plattner made these statements as the Sharks opened their season against the Vegas golden Knights, according to reporting from Daily Faceoff.
Plattner specifically cited the missed opportunities to acquire Stützle, currently a star forward for the Ottawa Senators, and Norris, a defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings. He stated, according to Max Miller of Twitter, “One mistake I want to share with you was that Stutzle and Norris were let go or not acquired in the draft. Think about the last three years, with Stutzle and Norris the team would have been a different team.”
The owner also acknowledged a mistake in allowing Joe Pavelski, a franchise icon, to leave the association. Pavelski signed with the Dallas Stars in 2019 and continues to play at a high level. Plattner’s admission suggests a recognition that retaining Pavelski’s leadership and scoring touch could have altered the Sharks’ trajectory in recent seasons.
The Stützle and Norris Drafts: A Look Back
Tim Stützle was selected 3rd overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. The Sharks held the 7th overall pick that year. Adam Norris was drafted 191st overall in 2017 by the Los Angeles Kings.
| Player | Draft Year | Draft position | Current Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Stützle | 2020 | 3rd Overall | Ottawa Senators |
| Adam Norris | 2017 | 191st Overall | Los Angeles Kings |
The Sharks used their 2020 first-round pick to select forward Ozzy Wiesel, who has played limited NHL games. The failure to draft Stützle is particularly notable given his immediate impact in Ottawa, where he has become a key offensive player. Norris has developed into a reliable defenseman for the Kings.
The Joe Pavelski Decision
Joe Pavelski played 13 seasons with the San jose Sharks, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. He departed as a free agent in 2019, signing a two-year contract with the Dallas Stars. NHL.com reported on the signing at the time.
Pavelski