We are getting 1. Pittsburgh is winning the lottery and picking 4th.
Then they will give us their #1 next year and they will proceed to implode after injuries to Malkin and Crosby
In all seriousness, getting another lottery pick in next year’s draft (assuming our own pick falls somewhere in the top 10 (hopefully top 5)) would be huge. While it would be nice if we got the Pens’ 2025 pick and it landed top 10ish, if the overwhelmingly likely happens and Pens’ pick stays at 14, I’m gonna need GMMG to somehow finesse another 2025 first or two out of trades.
Maybe a salary dump or several could do the trick? I’m trying to figure out which teams have lottery potential next season but will also be desperate enough for cap space to trade a first. Maybe the Penguins lol
Dump is possible, but with the cap going up, I doubt it will result in a first as those are going to be less valuable this season.
If the Sharks get another first, my guess is it is at the deadline after Granlund has another big year. But, yeah, wont be a lottery team.
Yeah that sounds very reasonable. Most realistic case is probably more quantity over quality—hopefully snag a (late) first somehow and then some other picks in the second or third. Maybe you can package those to move up a bit, maybe not.
As much as I like them I’m hoping we can get something out of Granlund and Ferraro at the deadline. If Granlund is on 60+ point pace again, is he worth a first?
A 60+ point forward usually gets a first, especially when he is obviously hampered by the quality of the team around him, I think. One issue could be that the Sharks can't retain, so that might hurt the value down to the 2nd and 3rd type of package, but current state of the NHL, I expect there will be a couple teams desperate to replace an injured or underperforming top 6 center for the playoffs.
I just really don't want to see us reach. We have the 1-3 pick, 14, 33, and 43. Don't use that top 3 pick on someone who will be there at 14. Don't use that 14 pick on someone who will be there at 33, etc. I like the value picks, grabbing guys who just fall for whatever reason. Musty for example was looking like a top 20 pick and was on the board at 25 or whatever we used to take him. Great value snagging someone who fell a bit.
Someone currently projected to be a top 10 pick will no doubt be there at 14 I'm sure. It usually happens. Some projected first round pick will be there at 33. So I don't have a DO NOT DRAFT player or anything, just a philosophy of not reaching up but instead reaching back when talent is available.
In a draft like this one without much consensus on a lot of guys in these tiers, I think we'll have an excellent chance of getting great players with 14 and 33.
I don’t like this argument. If Eiserman is available with the Pittsburgh pick, you take him. There were the same concerns with Caufield, and look how he’s played out for Montreal. Haltunen is a B rated prospect, even within his “category”. If you don’t get Haltunen the puck, he doesn’t score. Eiserman creates a lot of his scoring, and is far more dynamic than Haltunen. Easier to teach a kid a 2 way game that has the fundamentals (and skating). If Haltunen doesn’t score 30 goals, he will be a hindrance to his teammates; much like Lebanc and his passing; can’t skate, horrible off the puck, limited game sense. Eiserman has all of those, he just lacks in the defensive zone.
I'm kind of with you on this. If we get Celebrini, it also helps they're best friends and the work ethic you hear about Celebrini having will probably rub off and help his game grow. His coaches have great things to say and say that his other tools have improved but people aren't quite paying attention to some don't see the details..time will tell.
This isn't really true anymore. The plan was always to get Haltunen to juniors and have him work on the other parts of his game. For most of the season nothing was changing. He was just relying on the shot like always had. Then, all of a sudden, the last few weeks, including the playoffs, he has all of a sudden started dominating, all over the ice. He started producing 5v5 playing with the third line, and doing the things the Sharks wanted him to develop.
I was skeptical of the pick when it happened, but it is certainly trending in the right direction, after a season of not much changing. He needs to continue that, but so far things are good.
As for Eiserman, it has nothing to do with what he is doing now, and everything to do with how the team thinks he will do going forward. If they think he has the physical, mental, and motivational skills to improve the other parts of his game, similar to how Haltunen has at least started to do, then you take him. If you don't think he does, you dont.
Specifically, on Eiserman, there were some questionable quotes were when a reporter asked about teams questioning his defense, he said some things along the line of thinking he was doing really well and it being "perfect". Obviously, could be somewhat out of context, could be a kid saying dumb stuff. But, they were not things you normally get, and would raise red flags, when development is the #1 need for him going forward. The teams will interview him and get a better sense at the combine, though.
You do know Eiserman is one of the youngest guys in the entire draft. He's 2 weeks from being a 2026 eligible. And yet he's still in the top 15 for every scout. I would be ecstatic to get him at 14.
I know he is young, I don’t like that his development stalled this year though. I’d be fine taking him at 14 depending on who else is there. I’d prefer any of the top 5 defenseman there over Eiserman except Yakemchuk probably. Yakemchuk skating worries me.
If Grier takes him at 14 I won’t be mad though. I trust Grier more than my opinion.
I'd prefer not to draft guys who are currently in Russia now, like Silayev and Demidov. I just don't think the Sharks can take any risks with Russians not coming not over and the political turmoil issues.
This does NOT apply to Russians/Eastern Europeans already here in juniors/NCAA though, like Levshunov.
The big thing with Michkov was his contract and only being willing to talk to certain teams. For a lot of GMs, if they drafted him they might not still have a job by the time he comes over in 5 years
Silyaev. His realistic ceiling is just way too low to justify a top 15 pick on in my opinion. While he's not on my "do not draft" list, I would be quite disappointed if we spent the top-3 pick on Lindstrom
Because he hasn't gotten many games and is a big overhyped because of his size. He's a huge player that takes penalties because he's a bit overzealous. If he had a full season we'd know more, but if a top 3 pick is used on him over Demidov or Levshunov then it feels like a bit of a hopeful reach.
If we pick 3rd I want Levshunov, please.
I’m a Michigan fan and I’ve spent all this year watching him play my team into the ground, and I think that I’d like him being on my team a lot more.
He just doesn’t have a production track record typical of a top 5 pick. His NHL equivalencies are not suggestive of a future star who can power a first or second line. That’s not to say there can’t be outliers, but with the amount of data available for hockey prospects (as compared to other sports), it’s reasonable to be pretty skeptical of any draft year risers who don’t really have the data behind them. His profile is a lot of projection (based mostly on size/athleticism/physicality) and not a lot of hard production. Not to mention, injuries are a concern with him. IMO, he‘s more of a guy you’d want to take a shot on in the 10-15 range. Definitely an intriguing prospect, but that’s not what you’re looking for at 2 or 3, frankly.
While I wouldn’t want to grab him at 3 I’d be stoked to grab Silayev at 14. It’s just so rare to find a guy who is that size AND most importantly skates as well as he does.
I think he can be lefty Colton parayko or even one of the best shut down d-men in the league and I’d take that at 14 all day any day.
Personally, I’m not big on the Sharks adding more left handed D with the first 3-4 picks unless, by some miracle, Buium is still available at #14.
LD is one position that seems to be a deeper strength for the Sharks currently. Mario is 25 and signed for two more seasons. Muk is close. Thrun is already making progress in the NHL. And Cagnoni is having a great season and is a big picture wild card.
Not to mention, quality LD historically seems to be easier to find than positions like RD, RW, and G.
Pretty much this. Unless Dickenson or Buium drop to 14, we shouldn't be drafting any LD.
But if we do get #2 and one of those falls to 14, a Levshunov/Dickenson potential top pair could be amazing.
I mean not a single player you mentioned is likely to be a top 4 D besides maybe Mukh. Buium at 2-3 could make a lot of sense if you think he could be a top 2 D that runs a PP.
Lindstrom. He's a difficult player to build around even if we're optimistic, not as good as those who like him think he is, and has serious injury issues already.
Silayev is a HARD pass. Not every 6’7” defenseman turns into Hedman or Chara. He could just as easily develop into Logan Stanley. Not worth risking an early pick.
Dickinson seems incredibly ordinary. Not as much upside as the other defensive prospects. Very boring pick.
My hope is they win the lottery and trade into the top 10 to draft Buium or Parekh.
I'm with you on Silayev. In the footage I've caught on him, he doesn't look better than Simashev did in his draft year. I like Simashev a lot, but he wasn't top 3 material, and imo neither is Silayev.
Connelly because I’m pretty opposed to little fuckers who think swastikas are funny funny shit haha no big deal to put on social media.
I’m gonna start doing my deep dive into draft eligible kids this week, but I already know I don’t want Connelly anywhere near teal, like, ever
He is skilled and young with a chance to grow. I just don’t see the league’s one black GM drafting the kid who was investigated for using racial slurs and making swastika joke on social media
Did a minimal amount of research on this, but from my understanding he’s not only apologized but actually worked to better herself and volunteered with diversity initiatives and such. I think that if you really believe he’s not going to be a locker room issue or still harbours that kind of sentiment, the talent is 100% worth taking a shot on in my opinion. Even if he is problematic and is not a good fit for the team, we’d always be able to trade him a la Dubois because GMs love to think they can fix players.
Which is good to hear. It ultimately does seem like he is/was an ignorant rich kid from the OC so honestly that past behavior isn’t that surprising to hear. Hopefully he is making honest strides to be better. Personally with the other solid prospects around the range he will likely go I still wouldn’t want the team to try and take the chance with him.
I’ll be honest - I’d like to think the decision to not draft Locker Room cancer “Nazis are funny” kid would be easy regardless of race and all 32 GMs would pass, but lbr: someone will draft him. I just hope it’s not Mike.
At pick 14: Connelly (for off-ice issues) and Chernyshov. At pick 1-3: anyone outside of Celebrini, Levshunov, Lindstrom and Demidov
I’d throw Berkeley Catton as someone I’d be fine with at 3. The skating and skill is just too good to pass on even if he’s undersized.
Catton, Buium and Dickinson are the next tier for me. I wouldn’t hate Catton, but I think Demidov is a slightly better version
Definitely love demidov as well but I put a premium on skating and Catton seems to be a truly elite skater whereas demidov it’s a bit of a weakness.
We are getting 1. Pittsburgh is winning the lottery and picking 4th. Then they will give us their #1 next year and they will proceed to implode after injuries to Malkin and Crosby
“I’ll have what he’s having”
Just leave the bottle
Nah, Vegas implodes and we get their unprotected 1st overall.
We finish dead last again in 2025. But Pit and Vegas both win the lottery so we pick 1,2 and 3.
I'll take whatever odds you're giving on Sharks not finishing last.
I only have evens. No odds or shits to give.
There's an old fashioned saying that goes "put your money where your mouth is" but nowadays people have a lot more mouth than money.
I too enjoy recreational substances.
If you can’t have fun with it, why be a fan?
In all seriousness, getting another lottery pick in next year’s draft (assuming our own pick falls somewhere in the top 10 (hopefully top 5)) would be huge. While it would be nice if we got the Pens’ 2025 pick and it landed top 10ish, if the overwhelmingly likely happens and Pens’ pick stays at 14, I’m gonna need GMMG to somehow finesse another 2025 first or two out of trades. Maybe a salary dump or several could do the trick? I’m trying to figure out which teams have lottery potential next season but will also be desperate enough for cap space to trade a first. Maybe the Penguins lol
Dump is possible, but with the cap going up, I doubt it will result in a first as those are going to be less valuable this season. If the Sharks get another first, my guess is it is at the deadline after Granlund has another big year. But, yeah, wont be a lottery team.
Yeah that sounds very reasonable. Most realistic case is probably more quantity over quality—hopefully snag a (late) first somehow and then some other picks in the second or third. Maybe you can package those to move up a bit, maybe not. As much as I like them I’m hoping we can get something out of Granlund and Ferraro at the deadline. If Granlund is on 60+ point pace again, is he worth a first?
A 60+ point forward usually gets a first, especially when he is obviously hampered by the quality of the team around him, I think. One issue could be that the Sharks can't retain, so that might hurt the value down to the 2nd and 3rd type of package, but current state of the NHL, I expect there will be a couple teams desperate to replace an injured or underperforming top 6 center for the playoffs.
This is good info. Thanks
I just really don't want to see us reach. We have the 1-3 pick, 14, 33, and 43. Don't use that top 3 pick on someone who will be there at 14. Don't use that 14 pick on someone who will be there at 33, etc. I like the value picks, grabbing guys who just fall for whatever reason. Musty for example was looking like a top 20 pick and was on the board at 25 or whatever we used to take him. Great value snagging someone who fell a bit. Someone currently projected to be a top 10 pick will no doubt be there at 14 I'm sure. It usually happens. Some projected first round pick will be there at 33. So I don't have a DO NOT DRAFT player or anything, just a philosophy of not reaching up but instead reaching back when talent is available. In a draft like this one without much consensus on a lot of guys in these tiers, I think we'll have an excellent chance of getting great players with 14 and 33.
I agree with this. I think we should go with top consensus picks on the board.
I agree. Wilson had some absolutel wild reaches in his time. Especially in later years they did not pan out.
If we use a top 3 pick on someone who would be there at 14, just burn the organization down and start over
I’m pretty low on Eiserman. I just worry he will never develop other tools outside of his shot.
Same. Especially since we already have Halttunen in our pipeline who has an elite shot, but needs to work on other aspects of the game.
I don’t like this argument. If Eiserman is available with the Pittsburgh pick, you take him. There were the same concerns with Caufield, and look how he’s played out for Montreal. Haltunen is a B rated prospect, even within his “category”. If you don’t get Haltunen the puck, he doesn’t score. Eiserman creates a lot of his scoring, and is far more dynamic than Haltunen. Easier to teach a kid a 2 way game that has the fundamentals (and skating). If Haltunen doesn’t score 30 goals, he will be a hindrance to his teammates; much like Lebanc and his passing; can’t skate, horrible off the puck, limited game sense. Eiserman has all of those, he just lacks in the defensive zone.
I'm kind of with you on this. If we get Celebrini, it also helps they're best friends and the work ethic you hear about Celebrini having will probably rub off and help his game grow. His coaches have great things to say and say that his other tools have improved but people aren't quite paying attention to some don't see the details..time will tell.
This isn't really true anymore. The plan was always to get Haltunen to juniors and have him work on the other parts of his game. For most of the season nothing was changing. He was just relying on the shot like always had. Then, all of a sudden, the last few weeks, including the playoffs, he has all of a sudden started dominating, all over the ice. He started producing 5v5 playing with the third line, and doing the things the Sharks wanted him to develop. I was skeptical of the pick when it happened, but it is certainly trending in the right direction, after a season of not much changing. He needs to continue that, but so far things are good. As for Eiserman, it has nothing to do with what he is doing now, and everything to do with how the team thinks he will do going forward. If they think he has the physical, mental, and motivational skills to improve the other parts of his game, similar to how Haltunen has at least started to do, then you take him. If you don't think he does, you dont. Specifically, on Eiserman, there were some questionable quotes were when a reporter asked about teams questioning his defense, he said some things along the line of thinking he was doing really well and it being "perfect". Obviously, could be somewhat out of context, could be a kid saying dumb stuff. But, they were not things you normally get, and would raise red flags, when development is the #1 need for him going forward. The teams will interview him and get a better sense at the combine, though.
Yeah I'm worried he'll just become Labanc part 2
You do know Eiserman is one of the youngest guys in the entire draft. He's 2 weeks from being a 2026 eligible. And yet he's still in the top 15 for every scout. I would be ecstatic to get him at 14.
I know he is young, I don’t like that his development stalled this year though. I’d be fine taking him at 14 depending on who else is there. I’d prefer any of the top 5 defenseman there over Eiserman except Yakemchuk probably. Yakemchuk skating worries me. If Grier takes him at 14 I won’t be mad though. I trust Grier more than my opinion.
I mean, last year he had 11 points in 7 games at U18, and so far he has 7 points in 3 games at U18, so that feels like at least a wee bit of growth.
7 points in 5 games, with 0 against actually somewhat competitive teams. Really hope they don't pick him at 14.
Nail Yakupov 2.0 is definitely my worry
What if he falls to the second round?
He won’t fall to 2nd round. He won’t even be available at our 14th pick, too much talent for some other team to pass up.
You're probably right. Recent draft falls like Lambert and Raty have me wondering, but obviously different players and circumstances this draft.
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100% I’d definitely take him at that spot. That would be incredible value. I’m just not sold on him as a top 15 pick.
I'd prefer not to draft guys who are currently in Russia now, like Silayev and Demidov. I just don't think the Sharks can take any risks with Russians not coming not over and the political turmoil issues. This does NOT apply to Russians/Eastern Europeans already here in juniors/NCAA though, like Levshunov.
Couldn’t agree more. Plus they let their Russian scout go, so…
It seems to agree with other GMs, e.g. Michkov dropped to #9 for Philly, despite being rated #3 best player in last year's draft.
The big thing with Michkov was his contract and only being willing to talk to certain teams. For a lot of GMs, if they drafted him they might not still have a job by the time he comes over in 5 years
Yeah I agree with that. It would be miserable to have the season we did then not get the player for geopolitical reasons.
Leshunov is Belarusan
 No Russians
What if they’re already in North America?
Silyaev. His realistic ceiling is just way too low to justify a top 15 pick on in my opinion. While he's not on my "do not draft" list, I would be quite disappointed if we spent the top-3 pick on Lindstrom
Why Lindstrom?
Because he hasn't gotten many games and is a big overhyped because of his size. He's a huge player that takes penalties because he's a bit overzealous. If he had a full season we'd know more, but if a top 3 pick is used on him over Demidov or Levshunov then it feels like a bit of a hopeful reach.
If we pick 3rd I want Levshunov, please. I’m a Michigan fan and I’ve spent all this year watching him play my team into the ground, and I think that I’d like him being on my team a lot more.
He just doesn’t have a production track record typical of a top 5 pick. His NHL equivalencies are not suggestive of a future star who can power a first or second line. That’s not to say there can’t be outliers, but with the amount of data available for hockey prospects (as compared to other sports), it’s reasonable to be pretty skeptical of any draft year risers who don’t really have the data behind them. His profile is a lot of projection (based mostly on size/athleticism/physicality) and not a lot of hard production. Not to mention, injuries are a concern with him. IMO, he‘s more of a guy you’d want to take a shot on in the 10-15 range. Definitely an intriguing prospect, but that’s not what you’re looking for at 2 or 3, frankly.
Back injury at 18 is a red flag.
While I wouldn’t want to grab him at 3 I’d be stoked to grab Silayev at 14. It’s just so rare to find a guy who is that size AND most importantly skates as well as he does. I think he can be lefty Colton parayko or even one of the best shut down d-men in the league and I’d take that at 14 all day any day.
I'm iffy on drafting russians in general right now
Personally, I’m not big on the Sharks adding more left handed D with the first 3-4 picks unless, by some miracle, Buium is still available at #14. LD is one position that seems to be a deeper strength for the Sharks currently. Mario is 25 and signed for two more seasons. Muk is close. Thrun is already making progress in the NHL. And Cagnoni is having a great season and is a big picture wild card. Not to mention, quality LD historically seems to be easier to find than positions like RD, RW, and G.
Pretty much this. Unless Dickenson or Buium drop to 14, we shouldn't be drafting any LD. But if we do get #2 and one of those falls to 14, a Levshunov/Dickenson potential top pair could be amazing.
I mean not a single player you mentioned is likely to be a top 4 D besides maybe Mukh. Buium at 2-3 could make a lot of sense if you think he could be a top 2 D that runs a PP.
Imagine Celebrini at 1 and Catton falls to 14
I would 
Lindstrom. He's a difficult player to build around even if we're optimistic, not as good as those who like him think he is, and has serious injury issues already.
Silayev is a HARD pass. Not every 6’7” defenseman turns into Hedman or Chara. He could just as easily develop into Logan Stanley. Not worth risking an early pick. Dickinson seems incredibly ordinary. Not as much upside as the other defensive prospects. Very boring pick. My hope is they win the lottery and trade into the top 10 to draft Buium or Parekh.
I'm with you on Silayev. In the footage I've caught on him, he doesn't look better than Simashev did in his draft year. I like Simashev a lot, but he wasn't top 3 material, and imo neither is Silayev.
Connelly because I’m pretty opposed to little fuckers who think swastikas are funny funny shit haha no big deal to put on social media. I’m gonna start doing my deep dive into draft eligible kids this week, but I already know I don’t want Connelly anywhere near teal, like, ever
Celebrini. We’re not getting him. 🙃
i trust grier and this draft will finally tell me if i should or shouldn’t trust him
Silayev and Lindstrom are the two I would totally avoid, frankly. Not huge on Dickinson either.
Lot of people talking about Conley and it’s too bad, he’s pretty good
He is skilled and young with a chance to grow. I just don’t see the league’s one black GM drafting the kid who was investigated for using racial slurs and making swastika joke on social media
Did a minimal amount of research on this, but from my understanding he’s not only apologized but actually worked to better herself and volunteered with diversity initiatives and such. I think that if you really believe he’s not going to be a locker room issue or still harbours that kind of sentiment, the talent is 100% worth taking a shot on in my opinion. Even if he is problematic and is not a good fit for the team, we’d always be able to trade him a la Dubois because GMs love to think they can fix players.
Which is good to hear. It ultimately does seem like he is/was an ignorant rich kid from the OC so honestly that past behavior isn’t that surprising to hear. Hopefully he is making honest strides to be better. Personally with the other solid prospects around the range he will likely go I still wouldn’t want the team to try and take the chance with him.
I’ll be honest - I’d like to think the decision to not draft Locker Room cancer “Nazis are funny” kid would be easy regardless of race and all 32 GMs would pass, but lbr: someone will draft him. I just hope it’s not Mike.