The San Jose Sharks, amidst an 18-51-9 record, are undergoing a significant rebuild, making bold moves to fortify their future. Pending the payoff of recent moves made by Sharks’ General Manager Mike Grier, these skaters hold promise for the future.
Sharks signed top college free agent Collin Graf, who debuted in the NHL with three games played, earning one assist. From the three games, Graf averaged 15:29 time on ice per game, suggesting future growth and development opportunities.
Leading scorer in the nation last season, Will Smith, the 2023 Sharks first-round pick, remains a key player for Boston College. As the NCAA hockey Frozen Four matchups near, Smith’s recent 12 points in five games make him worth a watch.
In the OHL playoffs, Quentin Musty and the Sudbury Wolves are in the midst of playoff hockey. Musty, drafted in the first round at 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2023, showcases promising talent.
Henry Thrun, drafted in the fourth round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2019, shows potential to become a top d-man. In Thrun’s last five appearances, the 23-year-old has one goal and two assists.
In April, center Filip Bystedt made his AHL debut as the San Jose Barracuda took on the San Diego Gulls. Bystedt joins the Barracuda after ranking seventh among under-20 skaters in Sweden’s top league for points and sixth for goals.
Shakir Mukhamadullin is the second defensive point-leader for the Barracuda, with 34 points in 55 games, 27 in assists. In his first three NHL games, Mukhamadullin had one assist, 11 blocks, and five shots on net.
Forward Danil Gushchin ranks second in point stats for the Barracuda this season with 18 goals and 33 assists. Drafted by the Sharks in 2020, Gushchin debuted in the NHL in 2023, contributing one assist in two games played.
After two NCAA seasons at Michigan University, Thomas Bordeleau turned pro, joining the Sharks’ roster. The 22-year-old center has 10 points in 23 games played with the team. In 2022, Bordeleau’s first NHL goal eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights in the playoffs. Bordeleau could enhance his power in the offseason to bolster the Sharks’ future lineup with added depth.
Fabian Zetterlund logged an assist and two shots in Tuesday’s 3-2 OT loss to the Flames, marking his 20th assist. Zetterlund has 41 points in 78 appearances with Team Teal, leading the team in goals with 21. The 24-year-old forward logged 19:44 average ice time over his last three games and appeared in every game this season. Zetterlund is also one of three Sharks, (Mikael Granlund with 55), who have reached the 40-point mark this season.
Viewed as a top prospect, Klim Kostin was drafted 31st by the Blues, debuting with them. Kostin had stints with Edmonton and Detroit before being traded to the Sharks in March. In teal, the 6-foot-four, 232 pound center has two goals in his last five games.
21-year-old William Eklund reached the 40-point mark with his first career hat trick against the St. Louis Blues. During a bleak Sharks’ campaign, Eklund has overcome adversity with the team this season, logging 41 points in 76 games.
Mario Ferraro is a top-ten point leader for the Sharks, and number one defenseman with 19 points in 74 appearances. In his last five games, the defenseman has averaged over a period with 23:22 minutes of ice time.
Despite ongoing uncertainties, the Sharks franchise holds hope for playoff contention in the coming years, pending the progress of key skaters.
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Featured image courtesy of San Jose Sharks on NHL.com
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