Antti Suomela

November 2019 – After playing 27 games in the NHL last season, and signing a contract extension in the off-season, Suomela looked like a strong candidate for a roster spot with the Sharks this year. Although he started the season in the AHL, the Finnish forward has taken a step in the right direction, earning himself a call-up. Suomela registered an assist in his first game with the big club and hopes to continue his strong play as of late. He will likely continue skating on the 3rd or 4th line, but he does have the ability to be offensively explosive, giving him a top-six upside.  It would not be surprising to see the Sharks juggle line combinations allowing Suomela an opportunity to play a more important role on one of the top-two lines. Alex Howes

July 2019 – Suomela signed a one year contract extension with the Sharks. The Finish forward started out strong last season but wound up closing out the campaign in the AHL. Suomela will have every opportunity to grab a roster spot this season with several spots open on the big club. He has the skill to play higher in the lineup as well if necessary. Chris Legg

December 2018 – Suomela was returned to the AHL after being healthy scratched for a couple of games in favour of Lukas Radil. Suomela has played on both the third and fourth lines for the Sharks this season. He started out hot but slowed down a bit of late, this reassignment could be a motivating tool. However, it could just be the Sharks like what they see in Radil right now and would rather have Suomela playing in the AHL than eating popcorn in the press box. Either way Suomela remains a strong option for the Sharks moving forward, his fantasy value depends on how high in the lineup he plays. There isn’t much room up the middle for the Sharks. Chris Legg

October 2018 – Suomela is off to a great start to his NHL career. It looks like Doug Wilson has done it again, finding another effective player overseas to plug a hole in the line-up. The Finnish forward’s four points in 11 games up to this point don’t really do his play justice as he’s looked like one of the Sharks’ better forwards at times. His fantasy value will be somewhat limited for now as he’s not going to see big minutes in the Sharks’ top six, but he can help in deeper leagues, especially those which count faceoff wins. He has some keeper value as well if and when Joe Thornton moves on to greener pastures. Chris Legg

September 2018 – Sharks fans are used to Doug Wilson’s European free agent acquisitions coming into the league and having an immediate impact. Antti Suomela might be the next to do just that. He’s been impressing just about anybody who’s watching while playing on the Sharks third line during pre-season. With five points in four pre-season games, Suomela’s production has been an encouraging sign for the player expected to fill the void left by Chris Tierney’s departure. The Sharks third line should be able to outperform most other NHL third lines, so it’s not unreasonable to think he could land in the 40 to 50 point range this season if the stars align. Chris Legg

August 2018 – The Sharks signed Finnish centre Antti Soumela to a one-year contract in June of this year. Soumela has played three seasons in the Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. Each season Soumela has improved rather dramatically, culminating in the last campaign in which he was the league’s top scorer and earned himself an NHL contract. Keep an eye on Soumela, he has scoring ability but it’s always tough to project whether or not it will translate to the NHL. San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has been quick to mention him when discussing possible roster composition for the coming season. He has a good chance at making the Sharks right out of the gate in a top nine role. Chris Legg