Dylan Gambrell Recalled by Sharks After Working on Long To-do List

SAN JOSE – After a successful stint with the Barracuda, Dylan Gambrell is getting another shot with the big club.

The Sharks announced Saturday morning they recalled the 22-year-old rookie from the AHL, where he's registered six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in seven games. 

"He's done a good job at the American League level. The reports have been good," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said after Saturday's morning skate.

Gambrell said he was given a list of things to work on after he was reassigned back on October 30. At the top of that list? Making his game more physical.

"Being a little bit grittier on the corners, winning one-on-one battles, being a little bit harder to play against," the speedy forward listed off. "Just trying to execute that a little better."

"I think he's an honest 200-foot player," DeBoer assessed. "He just has to realize up here that, to use that speed, you have to attack holes and draw penalties."

When NBC Sports California caught up with Gambrell at the beginning of the season, he was eager to be penciled into the NHL lineup, whether DeBoer started him at center or on the wing. A month later, he's still up for the challenge.

"It's more just a mindset thing," he explained. "Either way, it's a battle you have to win."

For Saturday's game against the St. Louis Blues, Gambrell is expected to be slotted as the Sharks' fourth-line center. "I like the fact he's a centerman. We're still looking for guys to grab roles there," DeBoer said.

With Gambrell being called up to the NHL level, the Sharks also reassigned Rourke Chartier to the Barracuda. DeBoer explained the move was to give the rookie center, who has one goal in 13 games, a chance to boost his confidence.

"Our whole group hasn't been great lately," he said. "When you're a young guy and you're in that situation, sometimes it's better to get into an environment where, instead of it snowballing on you, you can nip it in the bud and get back to playing some big minutes and get your confidence back."

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