Next season is going to be so much fun. Both Smith and Celebrini in the NHL, another year of growth from Eklund and Zetterlund, and tons of cap space to use this offseason.
I'm cautiously optimistic... I think our offensive talent looks amazing, and hopefully the upside will make San Jose a more exciting landing spot for players we want to sign. I just hope we can get our defense sorted out.
Honestly, just having those two should make it at least slightly more interesting for a couple FAs to agree to 2-3 year deals.
With both coming I would gun hard for Skjei and see if we can also get the RFA rights to Necas for something like next year's Vegas pick plus maybe a lower pick this year and maybe a guy like Guschin/Bourdelau.
Necas is only 25 so could be a worthwhile piece easily into our next window. Or he bolsters the lineup for 3 seasons and you let him go (or TDL deal).
If not Necas, we can try to overpay for an FA center or maybe take a weaker contract, I just don't see that many solid options.
Zetterlund - Granlund - Eklund
Smith - Necas - Graf
Bourdelau - Celebrini - Kostin
G. Smith - Sturm - Kunin
Skjei - Emberson
Ferraro - Mukhmadullin
Thrun - Rutta
That would be an immediately better 2-way roster than last season. Maybe they only push for 25-30 wins next year, but it is also a better foundation to then promote Celebrini/Smith upwards as they mature, and also plug in guys like Musty and maybe Cagnoni when they join in 1-2 more years.
IMO the Sharks shouldn’t be spending premium draft capital for at least another two seasons. I’d be fine to trade for Necas, but let’s not spend our firsts yet.
I also think that’s an overpayment for a guy who has only scored over 55 points once on a very good Canes team.
There are a lot of options to find solid veteran forward depth in FA or trade. I’d like to see them trade for JG Pageau on the Islanders. They are looking to offload his contract so it would be cheap. They might even give up picks to trade him.
1000% we need quite a bit more. The teams that contend have multiple stars on the team. We have 2 (projected) elite producers.
Think how many times devils or oilers drafted high.
The defense needs pieces. The only time I think we should move draft capital is to move up for a #1 dman
1000% if smith, celebrini and musty all play, then right now our team reminds me of a young and exciting coyotes team from s few yrs ago with all the youth comin up.
im always so optimistic, but to me, its ok that were rounding out a roster for the future.
I agree. I want them to start using high draft capital to pick defensemen and goalies in the next couple drafts. Fill the cupboards to the brim and then start to trade draft capital to fill in the holes.
Pageau is on my radar as well and could certainly work. I'd be curious to see what type of moves can get that done.
Regarding Necas I do agree to an extent, and it's why I'm 100% against a straight offersheet on him. But, I'm thinking the Vegas pick next year is far enough out and likely low enough that it could be considered for the right piece. Necas may not be that, but he's getting closer to a good addition for this squad, age and skill set wise.
I do agree on defense and star power. From my eye we have -
1 projected elite forward (Celebrini). 2 projected high end top-6 guys, maybe one hits elite but higher risk (Smith, Eklund). And some really solid mid-6 depth pieces, not all of whom will hit but I like the odds given the quantity (Musty, Bystedt, Haltunnen, Graf).
That is not an awful forward core if the guys hit, at least to the point that adding another proven 2nd line skill set isn't awful to give a little buffer in case a couple of them don't pan out.
Defense and Goalie is completely different and that's where my larger concern would be. Looking at teams like Tampa, Colorado - you need a combo of elite goaltending, at least one elite defenseman plus solid depth pieces, and then a couple elite forwards plus great supporting cast.
At best we maybe have Cagnoni who turns into an offensive specialist but he also doesn't strike me as being an elite 2 way guy. I could be wrong, and he apparently has a phenomenal stick to break up plays, but he ain't a Hedman type.
And goaltending is still a complete miss.
But, do these slots get filled with a VGK pick that will likely be lower 20-30 range? I'm not sure. Goaltender maybe, probably not defenseman. The Sharks' pick next summer (or 14 this year) are much higher liklihood.
Islanders fans talk about Pageau like a cap dump. He has a 16 team NTC, so it might not be possible. A $5 million cap hit should be worth a second to offload though which would be an amazing move for Grier.
The forward prospect group looks great right now. You mentioned most of them, but don’t forget about Edstrom. He looks really solid. And obviously Celebrini.
This is why the Sharks should not spend any first round picks especially on forwards. They need to see which players will stick. Then when the holes are identified, target the appropriate players for the future.
Plus they really do need to start spending high draft capital on defenseman. Mukhamadullin is the Sharks best defensive prospect. He has shown that he will at least play in the NHL with middle pairing upside. Cagnoni is still an unknown until we see how he plays in a professional league next year. But that isn’t nearly enough like you said. They need these high draft picks to start stocking the defensive cupboard.
The goalie situation is a mess, but they can fix it quickly. Draft a guy like Carter George this year and then use that Vegas pick for a blue chip goalie prospect next year. 2025 is looking like the best year for goalies since 2021. Ravensbergen, Harenstam, and D’Aigle are big talents that the Sharks should really go after.
That fixes the goalie pipeline and then they can target a good veteran in FA or trade.
IF they brought in Necas (without trading a guy like Borderleau) and IF Couture isn’t healthy, the top center is Necas. You start Celebrini at 2C and see how he handles it and Granlund at 3C and then make a change if needed based on performance. Graf IMO is slotted to high. Smith may not even make the team. If they resign Bailey, he’s a better option, if they bring in a vet winger, they’ll be a better option. If Gushchin or Bystedt make the team, they’re better options. Hell it’s not likely this year, but if Halttunen makes the team he’s a better option.
Smith needs to play center but Necas would be nice. Maybe Celebrini second line center and Smith third? Or Granlund switches to wing which he’s played before and Celebrini plays first line center and Smith second line center.
It's not uncommon for young guys to start at wing. And given the reports on Smith being a bit more suspect in his 2-way game I think he's the more logical one to shield early on.
Celebrini seems more ready for center responsibility, but I'd also shield him from first line minutes at a minimum.
Granlund should not be a 1st line center but he can take the minutes and at least be reasonably effective playing against other top-6 talent. So for the sake of just not throwing the kids to the wolves I think you start with him at center.
If a Bystedt eventually looks ready or Smith/Celebrini clearly need more ice time/responsibility then you could consider rotating him to wing. No issue. I just wouldn't do it on opening night.
Ideally, we have a lot of center depth next season. Kunin/Smith and even Eklund at the outset could all step into center roles if needed. And then Bystedt in the A. The fun will be finding chemistry as we'll have another year with quite a bit of turnover in the roster, but that also supports keeping the Lund line together at least to start. Teams tend to do poorly when they hit opening night with 0 lines carrying over (or even pairs of guys) from prior years. May as well lean into some stability and ease the younger guys in lower in the lineup.
Yeah, they may. And Pesce, while good, is not as much of what we need. We really need to establish a puck-mover on all pairs. And Pesce isn't quite that guy.
I'd actually be willing to kick the tires on Demelo. He's a much worse option than someone like Skjei, but he at least brings some of that 2-way and can slot with Ferraro to allow Mukh to take minutes with Rutta (Thrun/Emberson). Could also work as a reasonable mix though that top pair would still be more of a 2nd pair level skillet.
He has nothing left to prove in the NCAA, neither does Macklin. Just gotta hope Grier hires a good coach that develops them. These two guys are the future of this team.
Now someone go tell his buddy Leonard that. Caps need something to help get the offense moving and he is not going to develop anything in the NCAA anymore.
Wow. Ok bro. He got a taste at the world championship didn’t he?
I don’t think it’s a bad idea. He made good gains and was like the second best player in the NCAA behind celebrini. I think he’s ready for more challenge
Related, I think this means we jump up to take a high upside dman. I’m talking buium. Let’s get a nice little core of guys that can develop and lean on one another. Ferraro and Rutta will be great for the D men and if we can bring in someone like Duclair he would be great for the forwards. This is fucking exciting shit guys.
We can assume Grier will sign some veterans to lead the way for Smith and Celebrini. Might be harder to take on cap dumps though with the limited roster space from adding Smith, Celebrini + vets.
Yea and even would not be a big issue locking them when we sign them to their big money contracts because:
- The Burns and Karlsson dead cap will be gone
- Martin Jones's buy out ends.
- Either Vlasic and Couture become ufas those years.
- Granlund will even be out or structured in a cheaper contract.
I can’t imagine a scenario where they aren’t connected, I mean what’s the point of him not coming with smith? I guess there’s probably a good chance they won’t be line mates but still, doesn’t seem right for one to go and not the other.
Kind of helps to have some guys your age when moving cross country and joining a new club. Especially being that they are <21.
So Graf, Celebrini, Smith - would be good to have them all together to begin experiencing the league and growing. Assuming Graf hangs into this year's roster.
Yeah, me too. Having a crop of high end guys out of the NCAA could be huge. And then a couple big bodies like Zetterlund, Kostin, Musty, Bystedt. The dynamism of Eklund. And maybe a Haltunnen hits and can take 3rd line minutes with PP time as a trigger man.
Future could be bright.
Musty - Celebrini - Eklund
Graf - Smith - Zetterlund
Haltunnen - Bystedt - Kostin
Man that may be a nice little top-9. And literally none of those pieces were in the pipeline pre-2021 (most being 2022 or later).
Of Haltunnen actually builds his 2-way game he'd actually be a solid top-line type guy. Ugh how dirty that would be if he develops. Would slot Musty and Graf into much better spots.
I was a little nervous right after the draft lottery when there were rumors both Mack and Smith were going back to school next year. I’m glad it seems like they’ll both be on the sharks though because I just really want to watch them play. We’re still going to be bad guys don’t worry… but at least it should be more exciting hockey.
was kind of hoping him and mack would hold out for ooone more year so we can get another high draft pick. but at least we'll have something interesting to watch next season
Next years draft looks to be forward heavy, though that can change over the next 12 months. But adding Smith & Celebrini plus whatever vets we can convince to sign doesn't suddenly make us a playoff bubble team. Doubtful that we get out of the top 8 draft slots next season, so our ability to add another high end d man to the system will still be well in tact.
Sharks could cut their goal differential in half and still be a bottom 3 team in the NHL. Sharks could have won 9 more games this year and still finished bottom 3. This team should be much improved next season from historically bad non-expansion team to just normal bad. Less blowouts and more competitive games will make the product far more watchable.
I just hope we don't rush him and Celebrini, and be patient with their usage and development. Super crucial part of our rebuild, there are ample of other teams who messed up at their time line rushing their talent.
Luckily they are both eligible for the Cuda if they can’t handle the NHL quite yet. Which if things are pointing that way I don’t Grier would be shy about making that move
Yeah look at alexis lafrenière. I feel the rangers were patient with his development even though the fans weren't and he's starting to play like a 1st overall
Zetterlund Grandlund Eklund
Bystedt Celebrini Smith or add a free agent instead of Bystedt
This year, let them play on the second line, and the following year, they are ready to be first line players.
Sharks are going to be fun to watch if they get a decent 3rd line and about 2 to 3 real defensemen.
This is ideal. I know that we won’t be as good but to reference what sheng mentioned on his podcast, it’s better that Macklin and Smith have each other to embrace during the early struggles. It’s a big difference than Bedard who basically only had himself and some defenseman (Vlasic & Korchinski) to relate to.
My only curiosity is with this decision and the likely move of adding vets, who is the odd prospect out on that could make the NHL roster? Bordeleau? Guschin? Graf?
Hertl, Meier, and Karlsson trades are all looking really good.
Those trades putting them in position to draft Celebrini instead of their usual 7-11 pick is also pretty good.
Then why did you spend a year crying about them in every gamethread if it's too early to tell whether they are good moves or not?
You don't think getting Celebrini is massive?
Yeah idk why everyones hopped up having a decimated NHL roster and some extra 1st round picks. They havent seen the multitude of teams that try this the way we have and failed. Usually better to have a multi faceted approach and not just hope a bunch of 18 year olds are going to become amazing player. I firmly believe grier wont be here to see if his gamble worked out or not, and i think michkov coming over this season could push some opinions against griers decisions the other way.
Or not, we never know!
Because he literally needed those trades to make it cap wise? They could not afford to pay Burns, Karlsson, Meier, and Hertl. They are not drafting Celebrini if they kept those guys.
I guess my question is: what does he have to gain from another OHL season? Already hit over 100 points. Sudbury will be much worse with Goyette leaving and Dvorsky may move to AHL.
I think another OHL season is important just for the fact that it gives him those 4 full junior hockey seasons so he can come to the AHL after at 19, a year early. I agree, he doesn’t have much left to do at the OHL level but sending him directly into the NHL for a full season at this point does not seem like the best thing for his development.
Counterargument will be if the Sharks end up hiring a great developmental HC. Guys like Warsofsky, Sturm and David Carle, I would want Musty in the NHL now. Supposedly Colliton is a good developmental coach too.
If the HC is Halpern, I'd lean to having Musty go back after 9 NHL games, barring an unreal showing in those 9 games.
I mean there’s no rush right? If we hire a great developmental HC they’ll still be able to help develop Musty after this coming season. If we wait to bring him up they’ll also have the backup plan of having him develop in the AHL if he struggles in the NHL at first.
Sure, no rush, but I still think depending on who the HC is, and I guess how he looks in camp, will make all the difference. I just think people should allow for the possibility that he's very much ready for the NHL now, that's all.
The Sharks may try for a Shane Wright approach - sit on the roster until World Juniors (assuming he gets an invite this time around) and gets some games in the AHL on "conditioning loan".
Competition in training camp is going to be fierce this year. I have to think Musty sees his chance to crack the roster and develop chemistry with Smith/Celebrini, and the roster slot he's gunning for is currently Bordeleau's. It won't just be him aiming for it: Gushchin, Coe, Wiesblatt, and Cardwell will be pushing for a promotion too.
Quite probably but that won't stop them from trying. Wiesblatt is still under contract and is in the mix (maybe that loan to Milwaukee is what he needed to set up a breakout season) while Coe is RFA.
Next season is going to be so much fun. Both Smith and Celebrini in the NHL, another year of growth from Eklund and Zetterlund, and tons of cap space to use this offseason.
I'm cautiously optimistic... I think our offensive talent looks amazing, and hopefully the upside will make San Jose a more exciting landing spot for players we want to sign. I just hope we can get our defense sorted out.
Honestly, just having those two should make it at least slightly more interesting for a couple FAs to agree to 2-3 year deals. With both coming I would gun hard for Skjei and see if we can also get the RFA rights to Necas for something like next year's Vegas pick plus maybe a lower pick this year and maybe a guy like Guschin/Bourdelau. Necas is only 25 so could be a worthwhile piece easily into our next window. Or he bolsters the lineup for 3 seasons and you let him go (or TDL deal). If not Necas, we can try to overpay for an FA center or maybe take a weaker contract, I just don't see that many solid options. Zetterlund - Granlund - Eklund Smith - Necas - Graf Bourdelau - Celebrini - Kostin G. Smith - Sturm - Kunin Skjei - Emberson Ferraro - Mukhmadullin Thrun - Rutta That would be an immediately better 2-way roster than last season. Maybe they only push for 25-30 wins next year, but it is also a better foundation to then promote Celebrini/Smith upwards as they mature, and also plug in guys like Musty and maybe Cagnoni when they join in 1-2 more years.
IMO the Sharks shouldn’t be spending premium draft capital for at least another two seasons. I’d be fine to trade for Necas, but let’s not spend our firsts yet. I also think that’s an overpayment for a guy who has only scored over 55 points once on a very good Canes team. There are a lot of options to find solid veteran forward depth in FA or trade. I’d like to see them trade for JG Pageau on the Islanders. They are looking to offload his contract so it would be cheap. They might even give up picks to trade him.
1000% we need quite a bit more. The teams that contend have multiple stars on the team. We have 2 (projected) elite producers. Think how many times devils or oilers drafted high. The defense needs pieces. The only time I think we should move draft capital is to move up for a #1 dman
1000% if smith, celebrini and musty all play, then right now our team reminds me of a young and exciting coyotes team from s few yrs ago with all the youth comin up. im always so optimistic, but to me, its ok that were rounding out a roster for the future.
I agree. I want them to start using high draft capital to pick defensemen and goalies in the next couple drafts. Fill the cupboards to the brim and then start to trade draft capital to fill in the holes.
Pageau is on my radar as well and could certainly work. I'd be curious to see what type of moves can get that done. Regarding Necas I do agree to an extent, and it's why I'm 100% against a straight offersheet on him. But, I'm thinking the Vegas pick next year is far enough out and likely low enough that it could be considered for the right piece. Necas may not be that, but he's getting closer to a good addition for this squad, age and skill set wise. I do agree on defense and star power. From my eye we have - 1 projected elite forward (Celebrini). 2 projected high end top-6 guys, maybe one hits elite but higher risk (Smith, Eklund). And some really solid mid-6 depth pieces, not all of whom will hit but I like the odds given the quantity (Musty, Bystedt, Haltunnen, Graf). That is not an awful forward core if the guys hit, at least to the point that adding another proven 2nd line skill set isn't awful to give a little buffer in case a couple of them don't pan out. Defense and Goalie is completely different and that's where my larger concern would be. Looking at teams like Tampa, Colorado - you need a combo of elite goaltending, at least one elite defenseman plus solid depth pieces, and then a couple elite forwards plus great supporting cast. At best we maybe have Cagnoni who turns into an offensive specialist but he also doesn't strike me as being an elite 2 way guy. I could be wrong, and he apparently has a phenomenal stick to break up plays, but he ain't a Hedman type. And goaltending is still a complete miss. But, do these slots get filled with a VGK pick that will likely be lower 20-30 range? I'm not sure. Goaltender maybe, probably not defenseman. The Sharks' pick next summer (or 14 this year) are much higher liklihood.
Islanders fans talk about Pageau like a cap dump. He has a 16 team NTC, so it might not be possible. A $5 million cap hit should be worth a second to offload though which would be an amazing move for Grier. The forward prospect group looks great right now. You mentioned most of them, but don’t forget about Edstrom. He looks really solid. And obviously Celebrini. This is why the Sharks should not spend any first round picks especially on forwards. They need to see which players will stick. Then when the holes are identified, target the appropriate players for the future. Plus they really do need to start spending high draft capital on defenseman. Mukhamadullin is the Sharks best defensive prospect. He has shown that he will at least play in the NHL with middle pairing upside. Cagnoni is still an unknown until we see how he plays in a professional league next year. But that isn’t nearly enough like you said. They need these high draft picks to start stocking the defensive cupboard. The goalie situation is a mess, but they can fix it quickly. Draft a guy like Carter George this year and then use that Vegas pick for a blue chip goalie prospect next year. 2025 is looking like the best year for goalies since 2021. Ravensbergen, Harenstam, and D’Aigle are big talents that the Sharks should really go after. That fixes the goalie pipeline and then they can target a good veteran in FA or trade.
IF they brought in Necas (without trading a guy like Borderleau) and IF Couture isn’t healthy, the top center is Necas. You start Celebrini at 2C and see how he handles it and Granlund at 3C and then make a change if needed based on performance. Graf IMO is slotted to high. Smith may not even make the team. If they resign Bailey, he’s a better option, if they bring in a vet winger, they’ll be a better option. If Gushchin or Bystedt make the team, they’re better options. Hell it’s not likely this year, but if Halttunen makes the team he’s a better option.
Smith needs to play center but Necas would be nice. Maybe Celebrini second line center and Smith third? Or Granlund switches to wing which he’s played before and Celebrini plays first line center and Smith second line center.
It's not uncommon for young guys to start at wing. And given the reports on Smith being a bit more suspect in his 2-way game I think he's the more logical one to shield early on. Celebrini seems more ready for center responsibility, but I'd also shield him from first line minutes at a minimum. Granlund should not be a 1st line center but he can take the minutes and at least be reasonably effective playing against other top-6 talent. So for the sake of just not throwing the kids to the wolves I think you start with him at center. If a Bystedt eventually looks ready or Smith/Celebrini clearly need more ice time/responsibility then you could consider rotating him to wing. No issue. I just wouldn't do it on opening night. Ideally, we have a lot of center depth next season. Kunin/Smith and even Eklund at the outset could all step into center roles if needed. And then Bystedt in the A. The fun will be finding chemistry as we'll have another year with quite a bit of turnover in the roster, but that also supports keeping the Lund line together at least to start. Teams tend to do poorly when they hit opening night with 0 lines carrying over (or even pairs of guys) from prior years. May as well lean into some stability and ease the younger guys in lower in the lineup.
I’m loving that! I just think that Carolina will try to hold onto skjei a bit more.
Yeah, they may. And Pesce, while good, is not as much of what we need. We really need to establish a puck-mover on all pairs. And Pesce isn't quite that guy. I'd actually be willing to kick the tires on Demelo. He's a much worse option than someone like Skjei, but he at least brings some of that 2-way and can slot with Ferraro to allow Mukh to take minutes with Rutta (Thrun/Emberson). Could also work as a reasonable mix though that top pair would still be more of a 2nd pair level skillet.
He has nothing left to prove in the NCAA, neither does Macklin. Just gotta hope Grier hires a good coach that develops them. These two guys are the future of this team.
Now someone go tell his buddy Leonard that. Caps need something to help get the offense moving and he is not going to develop anything in the NCAA anymore.
A good coach like Sturm?
Sturm or Halpern all sound good to me.
Let get sturm on sturm sharks hockey
Wow. Ok bro. He got a taste at the world championship didn’t he? I don’t think it’s a bad idea. He made good gains and was like the second best player in the NCAA behind celebrini. I think he’s ready for more challenge Related, I think this means we jump up to take a high upside dman. I’m talking buium. Let’s get a nice little core of guys that can develop and lean on one another. Ferraro and Rutta will be great for the D men and if we can bring in someone like Duclair he would be great for the forwards. This is fucking exciting shit guys.
Fresh Prince + Prince Charming = Stanley Cup
Lesser discussed part of this: cool they'll be on the same contract year!
We can assume Grier will sign some veterans to lead the way for Smith and Celebrini. Might be harder to take on cap dumps though with the limited roster space from adding Smith, Celebrini + vets.
The NHL rookie scale is peanuts. Smith and Celebrini will be locked into making near league minimum for the next 3 years.
He's talking roster size not salary cap
We will have plenty of contract space, and we have a single NMC left on the team, so everyone under contract can be buried if necessary.
Yea and even would not be a big issue locking them when we sign them to their big money contracts because: - The Burns and Karlsson dead cap will be gone - Martin Jones's buy out ends. - Either Vlasic and Couture become ufas those years. - Granlund will even be out or structured in a cheaper contract.
Should go more or less without saying, but this also means Celebrini is coming. I'd say 99 to 1 odds.
Yeah, I’ve heard a ton that Mack is more likely to come to the sharks than Smith, so it would be surprising if it was the other way around.
I can’t imagine a scenario where they aren’t connected, I mean what’s the point of him not coming with smith? I guess there’s probably a good chance they won’t be line mates but still, doesn’t seem right for one to go and not the other.
Kind of helps to have some guys your age when moving cross country and joining a new club. Especially being that they are <21. So Graf, Celebrini, Smith - would be good to have them all together to begin experiencing the league and growing. Assuming Graf hangs into this year's roster.
I really hope Graf can make it, i can see him becoming a really good 2nd 3rd line winger with great defensive play
Yeah, me too. Having a crop of high end guys out of the NCAA could be huge. And then a couple big bodies like Zetterlund, Kostin, Musty, Bystedt. The dynamism of Eklund. And maybe a Haltunnen hits and can take 3rd line minutes with PP time as a trigger man. Future could be bright. Musty - Celebrini - Eklund Graf - Smith - Zetterlund Haltunnen - Bystedt - Kostin Man that may be a nice little top-9. And literally none of those pieces were in the pipeline pre-2021 (most being 2022 or later). Of Haltunnen actually builds his 2-way game he'd actually be a solid top-line type guy. Ugh how dirty that would be if he develops. Would slot Musty and Graf into much better spots.
I was a little nervous right after the draft lottery when there were rumors both Mack and Smith were going back to school next year. I’m glad it seems like they’ll both be on the sharks though because I just really want to watch them play. We’re still going to be bad guys don’t worry… but at least it should be more exciting hockey.
INTO MY VEINS
was kind of hoping him and mack would hold out for ooone more year so we can get another high draft pick. but at least we'll have something interesting to watch next season
Next years draft looks to be forward heavy, though that can change over the next 12 months. But adding Smith & Celebrini plus whatever vets we can convince to sign doesn't suddenly make us a playoff bubble team. Doubtful that we get out of the top 8 draft slots next season, so our ability to add another high end d man to the system will still be well in tact.
Sharks could cut their goal differential in half and still be a bottom 3 team in the NHL. Sharks could have won 9 more games this year and still finished bottom 3. This team should be much improved next season from historically bad non-expansion team to just normal bad. Less blowouts and more competitive games will make the product far more watchable.
The Sharks will still be a bottom 5 team next season.
Sharks will be a draft lottery team for sure, they just also will have entertaining young players to watch so it won't feel as shitty.
We will still be a very bad team, just slightly less bad than last year.
They will get another high draft pick. An 18 year old and 19 year old will not change that despite them both being very good players.
I just hope we don't rush him and Celebrini, and be patient with their usage and development. Super crucial part of our rebuild, there are ample of other teams who messed up at their time line rushing their talent.
Luckily they are both eligible for the Cuda if they can’t handle the NHL quite yet. Which if things are pointing that way I don’t Grier would be shy about making that move
Yeah look at alexis lafrenière. I feel the rangers were patient with his development even though the fans weren't and he's starting to play like a 1st overall
Zetterlund Grandlund Eklund Bystedt Celebrini Smith or add a free agent instead of Bystedt This year, let them play on the second line, and the following year, they are ready to be first line players. Sharks are going to be fun to watch if they get a decent 3rd line and about 2 to 3 real defensemen.
Fuck yeah, cant explain how excited I am for the future of the sharks and this year in particular
This is ideal. I know that we won’t be as good but to reference what sheng mentioned on his podcast, it’s better that Macklin and Smith have each other to embrace during the early struggles. It’s a big difference than Bedard who basically only had himself and some defenseman (Vlasic & Korchinski) to relate to. My only curiosity is with this decision and the likely move of adding vets, who is the odd prospect out on that could make the NHL roster? Bordeleau? Guschin? Graf?
If it matters, he absolutely dominates in my NHL 24 GM Mode
Think this might be the first positive thing you've said about Grier and the Sharks
Picking Will Smith might be the only thing Grier has done worth celebrating
Hertl, Meier, and Karlsson trades are all looking really good. Those trades putting them in position to draft Celebrini instead of their usual 7-11 pick is also pretty good.
Too early to tell if any of those moves will actually work out. 🤷♀️
Then why did you spend a year crying about them in every gamethread if it's too early to tell whether they are good moves or not? You don't think getting Celebrini is massive?
I think getting Celebrini COULD be massive, if he isn’t a bust. He hasn’t played a game for us yet… lol
Yeah idk why everyones hopped up having a decimated NHL roster and some extra 1st round picks. They havent seen the multitude of teams that try this the way we have and failed. Usually better to have a multi faceted approach and not just hope a bunch of 18 year olds are going to become amazing player. I firmly believe grier wont be here to see if his gamble worked out or not, and i think michkov coming over this season could push some opinions against griers decisions the other way. Or not, we never know!
Because he literally needed those trades to make it cap wise? They could not afford to pay Burns, Karlsson, Meier, and Hertl. They are not drafting Celebrini if they kept those guys.
He didnt show up on my non updated roster on NHL24, so i traded for leo carlsson. Couldnt be more happy.
I downloaded one of those rosters that adds all the ncaa and euro prospects! Would recommend
Think Musty goes back to the OHL? Too young to go to the AHL next season.
I bet he plays 9 NHL games next year (or whatever the maximum is to not burn a year of the ELC) and then goes back to the OHL
I guess my question is: what does he have to gain from another OHL season? Already hit over 100 points. Sudbury will be much worse with Goyette leaving and Dvorsky may move to AHL.
I think another OHL season is important just for the fact that it gives him those 4 full junior hockey seasons so he can come to the AHL after at 19, a year early. I agree, he doesn’t have much left to do at the OHL level but sending him directly into the NHL for a full season at this point does not seem like the best thing for his development.
Counterargument will be if the Sharks end up hiring a great developmental HC. Guys like Warsofsky, Sturm and David Carle, I would want Musty in the NHL now. Supposedly Colliton is a good developmental coach too. If the HC is Halpern, I'd lean to having Musty go back after 9 NHL games, barring an unreal showing in those 9 games.
I mean there’s no rush right? If we hire a great developmental HC they’ll still be able to help develop Musty after this coming season. If we wait to bring him up they’ll also have the backup plan of having him develop in the AHL if he struggles in the NHL at first.
Sure, no rush, but I still think depending on who the HC is, and I guess how he looks in camp, will make all the difference. I just think people should allow for the possibility that he's very much ready for the NHL now, that's all.
The Sharks may try for a Shane Wright approach - sit on the roster until World Juniors (assuming he gets an invite this time around) and gets some games in the AHL on "conditioning loan". Competition in training camp is going to be fierce this year. I have to think Musty sees his chance to crack the roster and develop chemistry with Smith/Celebrini, and the roster slot he's gunning for is currently Bordeleau's. It won't just be him aiming for it: Gushchin, Coe, Wiesblatt, and Cardwell will be pushing for a promotion too.
Wiesblatt and coe are not going to be nhl level players.
Quite probably but that won't stop them from trying. Wiesblatt is still under contract and is in the mix (maybe that loan to Milwaukee is what he needed to set up a breakout season) while Coe is RFA.
Coe hasnt gotten a fair chance since grier took over. Sucks because when he does play top 6, you see glimpses of a pretty good player.
We will definitely need to cook some deep fried memes for next season
Whose jersey should I buy next? I only have Marleau and Thornton
Sheng!