Grier High in Gasseau, New Sharks Prospect knows his identity

“He has always known what he is as a player, which is not always the case for young kids.”

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier recently spoke highly of new signing Andre Gasseau.

The Boston Bruins’ 2021 seventh-rounder averaged just under one point per game in his first three years at Boston College. Last season, the 6-foot-4 forward scored six goals and 23 points in 23 games while also captaining the Eagles.

After his senior year, Gasseau was unlikely to sign with the Bruins. Grier dealt 2,026 picks No. 104 and No. 157 to Gasseau and No. 120. The 23-year-old signed his two-year entry-level contract on July 1.

The 6-foot-7 forward’s scoring percentage doesn’t stand out, but Grier and Gasseau know that won’t be his role.

“We like the character, the level of competition and think he has a chance to become a very good bottom-six player in the league,” Grier said. “Very good size, strong on the puck, plays both ways, skates well, very well around the net.”

At the San Jose Sharks development camp, the Garden Grove, CA native spoke about his trade out west, his playing style and the leadership qualities he will bring to the Sharks of San Jose Barracuda.

“Big body, strong on the puck,” Cuda head coach John McCarthy said of Gasseau. “We do the puck protection [drills] yesterday, and the coaches leaned on him. He’s strong, he’s big. I actually think he moves pretty well too, and he made some nice plays there.

Gasseau, on his initial reaction to the trade:

It was great. I think coming home is always great in the end. I’m just super excited to be in the Sharks organization. I can’t wait to get started.

Gasseau, on what happened to him and the Bruins:

As we got closer to my season, the Sharks were always in the running just looking at the different options [spotlight] there for me. They are on the rise, so I was super excited to sign here.

Gasseau, on the San Jose Sharks really wanting him:

Means a lot. Through that process, just [felt] like they really wanted me. I felt that connection immediately. Whether that’s the ‘Cuda or the Sharks, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win and continue to develop.

Gasseau, when he realized he was a good fit for a bottom-six role:

Obviously everyone wants to be in the top six. I know my skills, I know what I am good at. I have to keep working on the skating and stickhandling and things like that, but I think my strengths can really contribute to a bottom six, that’s how I’m going to make a living…

A bit before college, I think [it’s] the players you play with. I was lucky enough to play along [Cutter Gauthier] And [Will Smith] and all those guys, so I took that away.

But in the end, I think I’m best suited for the third, fourth lines. Play against the best players, kill penalties, win face-offs, do whatever it takes. A bit cliché, but it is what it is.

Gasseau, on being a leader at BC and in the future:

I was lucky enough to be a co-captain of sorts, along with Brady Berard and Lukas Gustafsson [we] they were all pulling on the same rope. [As far as] qualities as a leader, you need the entire team for that. I was lucky enough to be part of a great group, so I want to bring that experience here. Obviously there are going to be older guys than me on the ‘Cuda and the Sharks, so I’m just learning from them as well.

Gasseau, on whether he has usually been a leader in his teams:

Not always. I think [it] actually started with the juniors. You play with older boys and pick up something here and there. [Development] also struggle. Guys who know me, I’m more of a ‘lead by action’ kind of guy. I’ll speak up when it’s necessary, but there will always be those guys who incite the guys, and… [are] more vocal, but I like to lead by action.