Matt Tennyson’s role in San Jose was largely confined to that as a seventh defenseman. After signing with the Sharks as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan in 2012, Tennyson played in 60 NHL games before leaving the organization as a free agent this past summer.
He demonstrated glimpses of being ready for a regular role with the club in 2014-15, scoring eight points in 27 games. The Sharks appeared to bank on that transition, as the final year of Tennyson’s two-year contract entering last season was a one-way contract, ensuring he would be paid an NHL salary even if he was sent down.