Speculation: 2023-24-25 Sharks Roster Discussion

hohosaregood

Banned
Sep 1, 2011
33,191
13,891
Out of curiosity what about his development track has been compromised? I was under the impression he had an outstanding season last year.
I think it's the off puck play and attitude are concerning. I saw some comments from Sudbury fans claiming his off puck play was getting better but also some bad on ice body language and conduct. So pretty mixed bag right now but not exactly the trajectory of a bonafide top 6er.
 

Lebanezer

I'unno? Coast Guard?
Jul 24, 2006
15,687
12,499
San Jose
Yea he did for sure, but then this season he forced to go back to the OHL, held out on his team for a trade that didn't manifest, and had to play on a team that wasn't aiding in his full-game development. Now he broke his hand and will miss the WJC (which he didnt make last year) and his injury will likely keep him out after the trade deadline, locking him onto said unhelpful team.

Plenty of kids put up insane numbers in the CHL and can't capture that in the NHL. Since putting up said insane numbers, seemingly everything has been working against him. Considering this season - a critical one for development - might end up being entirely lost, it's logical to think his development has been compromised.

Maybe i'm being alarmist but i'm not feeling confident about him at all
This is definitely being an alarmist. He's only 19, and didn't realistically have a chance to force his way onto an NHL roster. The only option was for him to go back to the OHL. His full game development is something he can work on even when playing for a bad team, and if he wants to make the Sharks sooner than later that's exactly what he needs to do. His season won't be entirely lost, he'll come back from his injury and still have plenty of games left to improve. And if he isn't traded he can play some games with the Barracuda after the Wolves are eliminated from playoff contention.
I think it's the off puck play and attitude are concerning. I saw some comments from Sudbury fans claiming his off puck play was getting better but also some bad on ice body language and conduct. So pretty mixed bag right now but not exactly the trajectory of a bonafide top 6er.
He's already made it clear that he doesn't want to play for Sudbury, and given his age, I don't think it's surprising that he showed his displeasure at times. Especially since the Wolves are a bad team. Him being pissed about not making the Sharks is a good thing if it motivates him to work on the things that the team needs him to. I don't think we need to make a judgement about his trajectory at this point.
 

tiburon12

Registered User
Jul 18, 2009
5,113
5,208
This is definitely being an alarmist.
ok but.....
He's only 19, and didn't realistically have a chance to force his way onto an NHL roster. The only option was for him to go back to the OHL.
Obv not his fault but the reality that he has to play in a league below his level is a undisputed minus towards development.
His full game development is something he can work on even when playing for a bad team, and if he wants to make the Sharks sooner than later that's exactly what he needs to do.
Sure, but does this team have the resources to help him that way? all accounts are that they do not. Plus he wants out. Not a good mix if you're hoping for an ideal outcome.
His season won't be entirely lost, he'll come back from his injury and still have plenty of games left to improve. And if he isn't traded he can play some games with the Barracuda after the Wolves are eliminated from playoff contention.
Ok "entirely lost" was hyperbolic. My thought is more that this fraction of a season can't possibly be sufficient for him to take the necessary next steps that he would have needed to take over a full season to become the top-6 winger we expect him to be.

There is still a chance he hits but undoubtedly that chance is smaller now thanks to this range of mitigating factors.
 

StrawHatEklund

Registered User
Apr 16, 2024
140
252
San Jose
For Jiriceck, I’m okay with some combo of either Musty/Bystedt + a 2nd and maybe Ferraro or Rutta. I really don’t want to trade Mukh or any D prospects.
 
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jMoneyBrah

Registered User
Jan 10, 2013
1,250
1,902
South Bay
ok but.....

Obv not his fault but the reality that he has to play in a league below his level is a undisputed minus towards development.

Sure, but does this team have the resources to help him that way? all accounts are that they do not. Plus he wants out. Not a good mix if you're hoping for an ideal outcome.

Ok "entirely lost" was hyperbolic. My thought is more that this fraction of a season can't possibly be sufficient for him to take the necessary next steps that he would have needed to take over a full season to become the top-6 winger we expect him to be.

There is still a chance he hits but undoubtedly that chance is smaller now thanks to this range of mitigating factors.

Idk, while unfortunate he has to stay OHL for his D+2, it’s hardly unusual that a 19 year old doesn’t make an NHL roster. And the framing that if he looses a portion of his D+2 season it’s all over seems pretty alarmist. Players get injured, timelines shift, shrug.

He can make the most of whatever season he gets, regroup in the off season, and spend next year on the Cuda. Maybe he spends an additional development season or half beyond that, making up for lost development time, working on his game in the AHL than if he had an ideal year this year. That puts in in the NHL at age 21/22 instead of 20. Seems fine to me.

Eklund had what I think we can all agree was a disastrous D+1, perhaps delaying his arrival by a season, but he’s doing fine. Obviously pedigree is a bit different between the two, but I’d wager late first rounders breaking in to the NHL as 21/22 year olds is probably a pretty positive outcome historically.
 

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