The Sharks lost a bit of organizational depth at the forward position on Friday, when it was announced that restricted free agent Daniil Tarasov signed with the KHL’s Moscow Dynamo.
The Sharks qualified Tarasov on June 30, thereby retaining his rights. Tarasov would have been a long shot to make the NHL roster on opening night, but likely would have played a key role on the Barracuda.
Tarasov, 24, made his NHL debut on Feb. 5 at Vancouver, registering an assist. It was his only point in five games with San Jose, although he averaged just 7:34 time on ice.
At the time of his recall from AHL Worcester on Jan. 29, Tarasov was leading the minor league Sharks with 25 points. He finished with 33 points (16g, 17a) in 54 games in the AHL in 2014-15.
Tarasov, a 6-foot, 185-pound right wing, was born in Moscow.
Although Tarasov possessed some speed and skill, he was prone to injury, including a 7-game stint on injured reserve shortly after his NHL debut in February. In 2013-14, he was able to play in just 47 games with Worcester due mostly to a groin injury.