Ken Weibe of Sportsnet reports that the Winnipeg Jets have traded the rights to Leon Gawanke to the San Jose Sharks for Artemi Kniazev. Kniazev is the biggest name in the deal, having been drafted 48th overall by the Sharks back in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Over the last two years, Kniazev has been a quality defender for the Sharks AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. In a combined 121 games at the AHL level, Kniazev has scored 12 goals and 44 assists. Only standing at six feet tall, Kniazev is not a physically imposing force on the blue line by any means but does move the puck very well and possesses strong acceleration, giving him the ability to drive the play. Kniazev has one year remaining on his entry-level contract which will pay him $789K at the NHL level this season.
Gawanke, on the other hand, was a much lower draft pick compared to Kniazev, going 136th overall to the Jets in the 2017 NHL Draft. Even though his rights are now owned by the Sharks organization, it is unlikely he will play in San Jose, given that he has already committed to playing for Adler Mannheim of the DEL next season. However, as the team looks to incorporate exciting young players into its development structure, the team could convince Gawanke to return. Over the past four years playing for the Manitoba Moose, Gawanke has played in a total of 207 games, scoring 35 goals and 79 assists.
Never thought I’d see the Jets and Sharks working together.
They literally just did a trade at the last deadline…?
They’re bitter enemies. When you’re a Jet you’re a Jet all the way.
@PHC: Yeah but the choreography was all messed up after that deal.
FWIW it was reported on I think Dobber Prospects Report that he’d never play for the Jets again and seemed to imply he and Heinola were held back by jags ahead of them.
He absolutely went off to German press and frankly, with 20 goals, 25 asts in the AHL and 0 NHL GAMES to prove himself, I dont blame him.
Gawanke has a howitzer for a shot.