If Gush is sent down, after being Point per game, baraccuda leading scorer, putting up a couple points in his cup of coffee last year, and then being arguably the best sharks player on the ice in the preseason... I would say, there is little more he can do to prove himself.
I also think his style of game, which is high energy, high tempo, wicked shot, quick attack, and speed game is the kind of the game the sharks DESPRATELY need.
On the GWG, most every player on the sharks, other than maybe celly, granlund, and few other top ones , would have dumped that puck deep. The sharks are a team full of deliberate, slow, and easy to predict players. Thats why they have no breakout and no forecheck. Gush plays a completely different game in which its all about quick attack, quick pucks toward the net, puck possession and making plays. He's like a smaller, lesser celebrini. Always moving, great motor, great effort.
The sharks need playmakers who can more than just dump and chase and flip pucks out. We need guys who can carry the puck, hold on the puck, attack the net, outwork... Gush can do all that.
I would also add that if the sharks are a meritocracy, which they need to be to build any kind of hard working legit culture, then Gush>Smith (Either smith). You gotta put ice the best lineup, most NHL ready lineup. Will has definitely not proven to be NHL level. Neither has Graf. Cardwell is getting closer, but not there yet.
