Chris Tierney is an important part of the Sharks' future, but he wasn't originally considered a top prospect.

In this edition of The Journey, we will look at the fantasy potential of San Jose Sharks forward prospect Chris Tierney.  

One of the bright spots for the San Jose prospect group during last season, forward Chris Tierney looks to continue the momentum he gained in his first season in the NHL.

A native of Keswick, Ontario, Chris Tierney grew up playing with the York Simcoe Express, a AAA organization that has produced fellow NHL players Steve Downie and Ryan Murphy. After being selected 19^th overall in the 2010 OHL Draft by the London Knights, Tierney had a couple slow seasons in terms of production, compiling only 45 points in his first 112 games. His production did begin to pick up in his third season in London, scoring 18 goals and adding 39 assists as his offensive responsibility grew.

Ranked as the 118^th skater by Central Scouting going into the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, it was deemed a reach when San Jose drafted him with their 2^nd round pick, 55^th overall. However, Sharks' brass were validated when Tierney had his breakout in his last season with London. Serving as the team’s captain, the forward eclipsed his point totals from his previous three seasons, scoring 40 goals and adding 49 assists in 67 games. This offensive output was the first indication that the center may have the talent needed to surpass his bottom-six forward projection. 

Last season, Tierney impressed in Sharks camp and won a spot on the opening night roster. The young center responded by recording an assist in his NHL debut, a 4-0 season-opening win vs. the rival Los Angeles Kings. Although he split time between between Worcester and San Jose, the majority of his season was spent in the NHL. In 43 games with the Sharks, the rookie posted 21 points (6G, 15A), stabilizing the third line and second powerplay unit with secondary scoring and two-way play. Despite not playing with strong linemates, Tierney lead the Sharks in points per 60 minutes at 1.89. Quality of competition could be taken into account, but by no means was the rookie sheltered in terms of offensive zone starts. 

From a scouting perspective, Tierney is a high IQ center who relies on his playmaking ability in the offensive zone in order to be successful. A player who is responsible enough to be utilized in all situations, he could fit the role of a shutdown second-line center that chips in 45-60 points depending on his linemates and situational usage. Although he is not likely to post high hits numbers or block shots, Tierney is likely a plus player who should continue to improve his faceoff percentage in the next couple seasons. He will be a valuable fantasy asset moving forward, especially in cap leagues where he is under control for the next two seasons at a low salary.  

Fantasy Potential:

Tierney was widely considered to be a future staple of the Sharks bottom six, but his successful stint in the NHL last season shows there may be more offensive upside in his game than first expected.

If the young forward can sustain the success from last season, he will project as a middle-six forward with second-unit powerplay opportunities.

Dobber Prospect Rank: 23^rd overall prospect in Dobber Hockey’s Top 215

Fantasy Outlook: B

Pros: Two-way game, relentless, hockey sense

Cons: Improvement on faceoffs

Anticipated NHL Arrival: Tierney played 43 games in the NHL last season. He will likely begin the campaign in San Jose, where he will slot onto the third line and potentially the second powerplay unit.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=92677

Give Kevin a follow @kleblanchockey for NHL prospect talk and happenings.