- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage for the 2021-22 season. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Rudolfs Balcers did not take the leap that the San Jose Sharks were hoping for this season.
Last year, Balcers was a pleasant surprise. Plucked off waivers before the beginning of the 2020-21 season, the 2015 San Jose fifth-round pick emerged as a top-nine forward option for the undermanned Sharks, finishing seventh up front with 14:43 ATOI. His eight goals and nine assists in 41 games was good for a 0.41 Points Per Game average, good for seventh among San Jose forwards.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The 25-year-old, however, did not build on this breakout campaign in 2021-22. Despite similar ice time (15:02), the left-winger plateaued with a 0.38 Points Per Game average, notching just 11 goals and 12 assists in 61 games.