The San Jose Sharks have locked down Jimmy Huntington with a one-year contract extension for the 2026-27 season. Under the pale glow of the executive offices, the team decided to keep this hard-nosed forward on their payroll. He brings a quiet, heavy energy to the ice that makes opponents think twice. In a league where players pack their bags every autumn, he has earned a real place to stay. This is how you survive in the pros.
This survival instinct was first tested back in March of 2019, when the Tampa Bay Lightning grabbed him as an undrafted free agent because they saw a player who could grind through the darkest winter nights. He spent two and a half years working through their system, moving between upstate New York and sunny Florida. He never complained about the wet gear or the endless bus rides. He simply skated.
Years of putting in that quiet work eventually positioned him for the real drama that made everyone sit up and watch. During the 2024 Calder Cup finals, he became a legend by scoring the overtime winner for the Hershey Bears on June 24. Some critics claimed it was a lucky bounce, which sparked a massive online argument among hockey purists who dislike undrafted players. That goal was pure art, not luck. He silenced the doubters with one quick flick of his wrist.
The Hard Journey From Quebec To The Coast
This relentless determination was forged long before his professional success, starting with his hard journey from Quebec to the coast. Before he ever signed a pro contract, he spent five long years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. During his final season with the Rimouski Océanic in 2018-19, he exploded for 40 goals and 92 points.
Many scouts ignored him because of his skating style, which looked a bit heavy.
Yet, he worked with coaches to fix his stride and prove everybody wrong.
This kid from Laval does not stop.
The Frozen Math Of His Early Career
His perseverance in junior hockey set the stage for his entry into the professional ranks, as seen in the frozen math of his early career. During his time in the Syracuse Crunch jersey, he skated in 88 games. He scored 11 goals and set up 18 others to reach 29 total points. At the ECHL level, he played 17 games for the Orlando Solar Bears, scoring 5 goals and grabbing 12 points.
Will He Ever Stay In The Big Leagues
With his minor-league foundation firmly established, his new contract with San Jose raises an ongoing question: will he ever stay in the big leagues? Some people think he is only a great minor league player. On the other hand, others believe he can be a solid third-line player for the Sharks. His defensive work is excellent, but he needs to score more often at the top level to stay there. If he gets the chance, he will probably shock the league again.
The Secret Path of the Ice Warriors
Huntington’s climb illustrates the difficult choices many overlooked prospects face, highlighting the secret path of the ice warriors:
1. If a player never gets drafted, which path offers the best chance to reach the big league?
Hypothetical Answer A: Riding the bus in the ECHL for three years while eating cold pizza.
Hypothetical Answer B: Moving to Europe to play on the big ice sheets of Switzerland.
- "The Bus Leagues" by Arthur Dent
- "Swiss Ice and Warm Cheese" by Clara Oswald
2. What is the most important skill for an older AHL player trying to get a new NHL contract?
Hypothetical Answer A: Learning how to block shots with your bare face.
Hypothetical Answer B: Staying friendly with the general manager's favorite scouts.
- "Faces of Pain" by Gregory House
- "The Scout's Secret Notebook" by John Watson
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