by Nick Nollenberger | AHL On The Beat
When the San Jose Sharks signed veterans Andrew Poturalski again Jimmy Schultt in free agency this summer, they weren’t just bolstering the organization’s depth — they were adding two of the AHL’s best players to their ranks.
Poturalski, a two-time AHL scoring champion and two-time Calder Cup winner, is widely regarded as one of the league’s top scorers. Schuldt, who with Poturalski helped lead the Coachella Valley Firebirds to back-to-back Calder Cup Finals, has emerged as one of the AHL’s top shutout defensemen.
Through the first two and a half months of the 2024-25 season, these free agent additions have exceeded the Barracuda’s expectations. Poturalski has been instrumental in driving a five-point power play and one of the league’s best offenses, while Schuldt has played a solid defensive role and top-notch penalty kill.
Together, they played a key role in helping their new team get off to their best start in years.
While their contributions on the ice are visible, their biggest impact can be felt off the ice.
“They were good to us,” said the Barracuda coach John McCarthy. “They really changed the culture in our room. The way they treat other players and coming to the rink every day is contagious.”
In November, Schuldt was named the sixth captain in franchise history, even though it was his first season with the Barracuda.
“Jimmy has been a leader since day one,” McCarthy said. “The way he conducts himself and his professionalism has been a privilege to coach.”
Although Schuldt has never worn the captain’s “C” at the professional level before, he has served as a captain many times and captained three times during his collegiate career at St. Louis. Cloud State University. The new role has not changed his behavior or behavior.
“A big part of my job is to help guys with questions and ease their transition to professional hockey,” Schuldt said. “I remember what I went through when I was a young player, so I did everything possible to help them.”
Poturalski was very proud when Schuldt was named captain.
“I’m very proud,” said Poturalski. “J-Mac (McCarthy) told me right away, and I can’t think of anyone else who is more suitable. Jimmy has been a captain at multiple levels… three years in college, which is rare. He does the right thing every day, works hard, stays humble and sets a good example for everyone.”
The bond between Poturalski and Schuldt extends beyond the rink. The two lived together on the road during their time in the Coachella Valley, where they formed a close friendship. Their families are also close, with Schuldt being the uncle of Poturalski’s two children.
“Poturalski is someone I’ve been looking up to for the past two years,” said Schuldt. “He was a captain at Coachella Valley, and as a roommate, I learned a lot from him.”
The Barracuda have become contenders in the Western Conference this season, looking to end a four-year playoff drought. Winning, often a learned skill, has been accelerated by the Sharks’ offseason moves. In addition to Poturalski and Schuldt, they signed Lucas Carlsson and add proven AHL players such as Colin White again Joey Keaneand veterans Scott Sabourin again Justin Bailey. The combination of experience and youth helped the team to work quickly.
“We have a really good mix,” Schuldt said. “[The young guys] they are going really well.”
Poturalski echoes this sentiment.
“It’s definitely an exciting time. We have a good team, a good mix of vets and rookies. It was fun to jump in and be a part of it.”
Young players, like Thomas Bordeleauthey have benefited greatly from the leadership of Poturalski and Schuldt.
“Schuldtsy is a great captain and leader,” Bordeleau said. “She and Potsy bring so much energy and beauty to the room. They are very beautiful when they come out of the snow.”
General manager Joe Will emphasized the importance of signing AHL players who are still fighting for NHL opportunities. Both Poturalski and Schuldt fit that mold well. They are always motivated to get back to the highest level of the game.
“Every day, my goal is to push myself to that level,” Schuldt said. “I believe I can, and I try to improve every day.”
That dedication didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates, including the rookie defenseman Jake Furlong.
“Being with Jim these past few months, especially over the summer, you can see his professionalism,” Furlong said. “He is someone I look up to. The way he works, on and off the ice, is a big part of his success.”
In many ways, Poturalski and Schuldt are kindred spirits. Both were undrafted college stars but have gone on to record stellar careers. Their winning mentality and leadership continues to pave the way for a Barracuda team that has become one of the toughest to deal with in the league.
