San Jose Sharks’ biggest needs, top prospects
The San Jose Sharks are at an uncomfortable center floor. They’re too good to safe a right away difference-maker within the draft, and so they’re additionally not ok to problem for a playoff spot. With a brand new normal supervisor becoming a member of the fold this offseason, who they rent could decide what the following 5 years appear to be for the Sharks. They’ll both begin promoting veterans and plunge deeper right into a rebuild or hope their younger gamers blossom and that they’ll fill out the roster by way of free company. Their prospect pool is improved from latest seasons however doesn’t have the depth of different non-playoff groups.
Prime prospects
William Eklund, LW: The seventh total choose from 2021 noticed a big offensive regression this yr within the SHL, however he was taking part in on a really weak Djurgårdens staff that ended up in relegation. After Eklund began the season within the NHL, making the Sharks out of coaching camp, he was returned to Europe. Maybe administration needs that they had saved their prime prospect in North America after the season he endured. Eklund is more likely to play within the NHL subsequent season and will have a breakout season like fellow Swedish prospect Lucas Raymond did as a rookie in Detroit, nevertheless, Eklund might also want stints within the AHL to make sure he’s taking part in essential minutes. Eklund stays one of many prime prospects outdoors the NHL.
Thomas Bordeleau, C: If Eklund isn’t within the NHL, it might be as a result of Bordeleau took his spot. After plying his commerce with the College of Michigan, which rostered an expert calibre ahead corps this yr, Bordeleau was glorious in cut up time between the NHL and AHL. In two video games within the AHL, Bordeleau had three factors and added 5 assists in eight NHL video games. All of his professional factors have been assists, which speaks to his immense playmaking expertise, not his lack of aim scoring skill. Bordeleau is ready to make changes within the offensive zone to open passing lanes. Appears like a real risk to crack the Sharks’ roster now.
Strauss Mann, G: The one motive Mann wasn’t taking part in with an NHL group this previous season is his six-foot body. It’s the identical six-foot body that permit just about no pucks via within the final three seasons. With the College of Michigan, Mann posted 1.85 and 1.89 GAAs, and .939 and .930 save percentages in his closing two seasons. When he turned professional, Mann jumped into top-of-the-line leagues on this planet, Sweden’s SHL, posting a 2.19 GAA and .914 save share, and elevated these numbers within the submit season. Tack on his strong performances at each the Olympic Video games and world championships for Workforce USA, and it’s nearly unfathomable it took this lengthy for an NHL staff to leap on Mann. A robust free agent addition.
One to observe
At 6-foot-5 and scoring at a 1.63 level per recreation tempo, it was arduous to overlook Brandon Coe this season within the OHL. The North Bay Battalion star completed his season amongst OHL leaders with 101 factors. After taking part in 17 video games within the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda final season, Coe’s confidence was obvious this yr, and when he steps again into the AHL as a 20-year-old subsequent season, he’ll look proper at residence. By season’s finish, it might not be shocking to see Coe acquire an audition within the NHL. The 2020 fourth-round choose is blossoming right into a strong prospect and will find yourself nicely outplaying his draft place. Gannon Laroque appears like one other later choose, 103rd total in 2021, who may present worth. He had a strong WHL season and performed a handful of video games within the AHL as an 18-year-old.
Able to step in
Talent has by no means been in query with Ryan Merkley. He has above-average imaginative and prescient and mushy palms. The intangibles to Merkey’s recreation and his skill to defend have been the priority over time. Nonetheless, the 2018 first-round choose appears able to make his step, and San Jose can take care of the chance versus reward consider Merkley’s recreation whereas he figures the remainder out. He obtained an prolonged look within the NHL this season taking part in 39 video games. Save for a breakout yr this marketing campaign, he’ll additionally add good worth on the blueline when his entry-level contract ends. Max Véronneau, a 26-year-old who scored 60 factors in 51 SHL video games final season, will even look to step in and make a right away impression. He performed 16 video games with the Ottawa Senators earlier than spending two seasons in Sweden, however it appears just like the transfer abroad was a wonderful selection developmentally.
Wants on the draft
Whereas Adin Hill and Kaapo Kähkönen, each 25, are set to battle it out in internet for the San Jose Sharks within the quick time period, a long run inheritor to the crease is required. The Sharks’ prime prospect in internet heading into this season was Sarnia Sting goalie Benjamin Gaudreau, who struggled mightily within the OHL common season. Whereas he rebounded within the playoffs for the Sting, his physique of labor within the OHL up to now has include a 3.93 GAA and .890 save share. Signing Mann appears like the reply, however he’s unproven within the NHL, and safety by no means hurts. Except for their internet, all the Sharks depth chart is woefully shallow. For the primary three to 4 rounds, selecting greatest out there needs to be San Jose’s route adopted by grabbing a goaltender within the later rounds.
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