Benn Ferriero

Ferriero spent the first three seasons of his pro career bouncing back and forth between San Jose and Worcester before signing with Pittsburgh over the summer. The 25-year-old forward has put up good AHL numbers, totaling 103 points in 121 contests. He wasn't able to consistently crack the Sharks' lineup, however, and scored only eight points (7G, 1A) in 35 games last year. Most likely, Ferriero will start the 2012-13 season playing for AHL Wilkes-Barre as a candidate for a midseason callup. It's probably best to take a wait-and-see approach with the winger, though his minor league production and relative youth makes it worth keeping an eye on him.

The briskly Ferriero is one of the top prospects in the Sharks' system, and it appears that the team is gradually easing him into the NHL. Last season, the Boston native produced nine points (5 G, 4 A) in 33 games during the regular season, before getting a taste of the playoffs, adding a goal for his lone point in eight postseason performances. The Sharks parted ways with Devin Setoguchi in the offseason, opening the door for Ferriero to assume a more prominent role with the parent club. Team Teal secured the smooth skater's services with a one-year contract in July.

Ferriero stole the show in exhibition play last season by showing off his playmaking and scoring abilities. As a result, he won a job out of training camp, and held his own in the NHL for the first half of the 2009-10 season. The Boston College product also spent 58 games in the minors, with 50 points (19 G, 31 A) to show for it. With more experience, Ferriero could be an NHL mainstay sooner than later, but a conservative prediction would cast Ferriero off as a depth player and common call-up for the Sharks this season.

Remember the name Ferriero because he could be called upon as early as the 2009-10 season. Signed as free agent, he’s listed on the Sharks’ 2009 training camp roster and figures to help solidify the Sharks and their forward depth.