Pavelski anticipates 'awkward' return to San Jose

Former San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski is looking forward to his return to the Bay Area on Saturday, but understands there will be some discomfort in coming back to the place he spent the first 13 years of his NHL career.

"I think it'll be weird," Pavelski said, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "Probably seeing the jersey will be the hardest part. It'll be awkward in a lot of ways."

Pavelski, who signed a three-year, $21-million deal with the Dallas Stars in July, thought he'd be staying put in San Jose until it became clear the two sides couldn't agree to a deal.

"I always had a feeling that something would probably work out. Until it didn't, I didn't have any reason to think it wouldn't."

The Sharks have been a Stanley Cup contender through most of the decade, but have struggled immensely this season and recently fired head coach Pete DeBoer. When asked about the team's trying campaign, Pavelski admitted his disbelief.

"I am surprised they're struggling a little bit," Pavelski said. "I would have thought they'd be a little bit more successful this year. But that's just the way it goes. There are just teams like that."

Pavelski has played the fourth-most games in Sharks history (963) and ranks second in goals (355) and third in points (761). The veteran winger has tallied eight goals and 18 points through 44 games with the Stars this season.