Nick DeSimone

August 2019 – DeSimone likely stands to benefit from the departure of Kyle Wood via trade to the Carolina Hurricanes. DeSimone had a solid season with 46 points in 65 AHL games and now becomes the top right handed defenseman on the Barracuda. At 24-years old, DeSimone has yet to make his NHL debut but this could be the year he gets a look when injuries inevitably occur. He has solid offensive ability but he isn’t likely to get enough NHL minutes to make any real noise next season. Chris Legg

December 2018 – DeSimone is in a nice groove playing on the Barracuda’s top D pairing alongside Jacob Middleton. His 16 points through 21 games put him in a tie with Kyle Wood for the team lead in points by defenseman. This is a big development year for DeSimone as he is playing in his second pro season and so far he isn’t disappointing. He is on pace to eclipse his point total from last season by a significant margin. He’s already among the Barracuda’s top defenseman, should he continue to improve he deserves a look in the NHL soon. Chris Legg

June 2018 – After bursting onto the scene during the 2017 Calder Cup playoffs, Nick DeSimone settled in as a regular for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. The smooth skating offense-minded defenseman posted a modest six goals, 14 assists for 20 points in 59 AHL games. Those numbers won’t blow anyone away but moving from NCAA to the AHL is a big adjustment to make. It will be interesting to see if DeSimone can improve on those numbers in another full season in the AHL. Chris Legg

May 2017 – DeSimone’s offensive ability and swift skating have helped him jump ahead on the Barracuda depth chart into a starting role during the Calder Cup playoffs. DeSimone has been a mainstay in the Barracuda lineup ahead of Patrick McNally and veteran Dan Kelly. Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer has frequently referenced DeSimone’s skating ability and puck skills as key ingredients for the playing time he has earned. He has made a quick transition from the NCAA ranks to the AHL and looks to be yet another solid signing by Doug Willson and Co. Zachary DeVine

March 2017 – For the second time in as many weeks, the San Jose Sharks dipped into the NCAA ranks and signed undrafted free agent Nick DeSimone from Union College. DeSimone had a number of teams after the offensively minded rearguard. After three years with the Dutchmen, DeSimone has filled out and developed his game in the NCAA. The move is made to replenish the defensive pipeline: Tim Heed and Joakim Ryan are likely with the NHL club next year and the Sharks are expected to lose a defender in the expansion draft.

The Sharks signed DeSimone to a two-year deal that will start next year. He will join the San Jose Barracuda on an ATO for the stretch run and is scheduled to be inserted immediately into the lineup. If DeSimone can quickly assimilate to the pro ranks, he could leapfrog up next season’s depth chart. Zachary DeVine