Matthew Nieto is expected to open the season on the Sharks' second line, working at right wing alongside Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau, CSNBayArea.com's Kevin Kurz reports.

Nieto is expected to open the season on the Sharks' second line, working at right wing alongside Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau, CSNBayArea.com's Kevin Kurz reports.

Analysis:

Nieto is coming off an up-and-down rookie season in which he compiled 24 points in 66 games, but he was at least able to capitalize on his considerable speed on a few occasions during the campaign to get the Sharks excited about his future. Though Nieto doesn't offer the upside of a top-flight scorer like that of teammate Tomas Hertl, opportunities to pick up points should still become plentiful for the 21-year-old, especially if he ends up sticking on the second line.