- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Mike Grier, in his playing days, was known as somebody who could always be counted on to defend a teammate.
The San Jose Sharks GM stepped up for a teammate once again today, when I asked new Sharks head coach David Quinn about the perception that Quinn was particularly tough on Rangers youngsters behind the bench in New York.
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“Some of the stuff that’s out there about the Rangers stuff,” Grier interjected. “I don’t think it’s fair.”
2019 second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko and 2020 first-overall Alexis Lafreniere, in particular, did not take the NHL by storm as expected. Fairly or unfairly, Quinn has been blamed for limiting their minutes and stapling them to the bench from time to time.