Zack Ostapchuk has made a name for himself as a workhorse 4C for the San Jose Sharks, but it didn’t come easy.

The former Ottawa Senator was acquired in the Fabian Zetterlund trade, and fans initially reacted negatively. Zetterlund had become a fan favorite and looked to be a solid player for the future. GM Mike Grier told reporters he envisioned Ostapchuk bolstering depth at center ice when he made the move.

But now, two years later, Ostapchuk has won over Sharks fans and become a vital piece of this season’s success. That mindset shift came early, when he fought Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson in the 24-25 season and earned his respect.

After bouncing between the AHL and NHL, the San Jose Sharks center has learned valuable lessons. His demeanor hasn’t changed, but his mindset has.

“Every time I’d come up and get sent down, it’s not a great feeling. You want to stay in the NHL, but I think it makes me more competitive. I think I got a lot more competitive out of it,” Ostapchuk exclusively told SHD. “I don’t want to give my spot up ever again, right? That’s ingrained in me now that you’re never safe.”

One of head coach Ryan Warsofsky’s biggest motivational points is wanting his team to compete non-stop. Part of his for Cs are plastered everywhere around the Sharks facility and in the locker room, both at Sharks Ice and SAP Center.

For Ostapchuk, playing as the San Jose Sharks’ 4C will be an important role this season. He’ll also see time on the penalty kill, where he’s shown a strong ability.

“You got to play your hardest every night because there are people that are on your heels and want your job,” Ostapchuk said. “I think protecting that and trying to just work your way up the lineup or whatever it may be.”

Ostapchuk will have an added role this season in team toughness and intimidation. With Ryan Reaves retiring, the Sharks will have to fill the void in team bonding and on-ice intimidation. Ostapchuk could become a team leader in both categories.

“We’re obviously going to miss Reavo. I mean, he was one of the biggest presences in the league. He meant a lot to our group. He was a presence, but I think yeah, it’s just going to be a collective effort,” Ostapchuk said. “I think we brought in a lot of toughness, a lot of team toughness. I think we’re just gonna be a team that nobody pushes around. We’ll stick up for each other.”

Ostapchuk has become a driver of play on the fourth line. His skating stands out compared to other fourth-liners in the league. Before Saturday’s 4-2 preseason win, the San Jose Sharks center said the game was a launching point for a good season.

“I think you want to come into the season hot. With a shorter camp, it’s important that if we come out hot, you can jump on other teams if they’re not,” Ostapchuk said. “It’s super important to hit the ground running. You don’t want to be that team that’s chasing the standings.”

With the Florida Panthers in town on Thursday, there could be some fireworks right away, especially after last season’s game, when goalies Alex Nedeljkovic and Sergei Bobrovsky got into a goalie fight.

When asked whether any bad blood might spill over, Ostapchuk smiled and said, “Maybe Ned.”

Bobrovsky has moved on to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but for Ostapchuk, the Panthers as a whole are a tough, physical team.

“Bob’s gone, but they’re a rough, tough team, and I think we want to be like that too. I don’t know. I’m sure it’ll be a physical game, and yeah, very competitive,” Ostapchuk said.