Speculation: 2023-24-25 Sharks Roster Discussion

[gaucholoco3]

Looking good next to a highly skilled Celebrini is preferable to not doing so like with Kostin. I think that warrants more of a look. I would prefer that to be Eklund's spot if the other two lines are functional. I think Kovalenko could also fit on a functional 3rd line with Wennberg and Graf. That would require building a 2nd line around either Smith or Toffoli. Considering how it is for Sharks to get really anyone externally, they may have to ask Celebrini to carry someone that isn't that good but can look good with him.

I'm not making offseason moves banking on those rookie prospects taking an NHL lineup spot. And the Sharks could use a middle-six center at the least and probably another top-nine caliber forward. Two if we're thinking that we need to replace Kovalenko because he's not a good fit in the room. With Wennberg only signed through next year, if we end up sellers at the deadline again, there will be an open top-nine spot for a rookie prospect pulling a Graf to get an opportunity. That and injuries have pretty consistently given kids opportunities. I'm not worried about them for next season.

I agree that if the Sharks can build a 3rd line of
Kovalenko - Wenberg - Graf
But aren’t you one of the people who is against going after high priced UFAs? How do you expect to build a competent 2nd line around Smith without giving out money and term to a good UFA?

 

[Pinkfloyd]

I agree that if the Sharks can build a 3rd line of
Kovalenko - Wenberg - Graf
But aren’t you one of the people who is against going after high priced UFAs? How do you expect to build a competent 2nd line around Smith without giving out money and term to a good UFA?

Not necessarily. I think they can build a competent 2nd line by targeting guys similar to Toffoli and Wennberg. I just don't think it's wise to throw out a 7 year deal on players like Ehlers or Marner.

 

[hohosaregood]

Not necessarily. I think they can build a competent 2nd line by targeting guys similar to Toffoli and Wennberg. I just don't think it's wise to throw out a 7 year deal on players like Ehlers or Marner.

Ehlers or Marner would probably be worth it but probably not a great fit across from Smith or Toffoli.

 

[Gecklund]

If Smith can show he can be a 2C next year, that could be a much easier way to fix the depth issue than trying to acquire a 2C.

Eklund-Macklin-Toffoli
xxx-Smith-xxx
Kovalenko-Wennberg-Graf
Dellandrea-Ostapchuk-Grundstrom

Go out and acquire say Haula or Palat from when NJD want to clear cap and sign some other winger in FA. Suddenly our forwards look better. Still not good enough but definitely closer to having guys in their proper spot.

Defense though sharks need to acquire a whole new top pair to even have a chance at improving.

 

[Grinner]

Ehlers or Marner would probably be worth it but probably not a great fit across from Smith or Toffoli.

This is where a Cuylle comes in

 

[Jargon]

My suspicion with Kovalenko is that Warsofsky pulled the same levers he did with Eklund, Zetterlund, etc. where he’d throw them on the bottom 6 when their effort was waning/they were showing bad and lazy habits. It worked for those two - they’re highly competitive and also, in Eklund’s case, too talented to stay on the bottom lines for too long (he’d invariably single-handedly transform the line and be put back up). Kovalenko did not react well to this lever being pulled and lost confidence/felt attacked (sounds a little like he doesn’t understand what’s being asked of him).

I think that’s probably where the issue is — the question is, is it on Warsofsky for not being clear/trying the same method to teach different players or is it on Kovalenko for taking it as an affront and complaining.

This is all conjecture obviously, just a thought.

 

[Star Platinum]

You can say f*** size reasons but you are disregarding a huge part of the game. It is a physical game and no surprise the recent cup winners have been so big.

Kovalenko has absolutely not played well enough to ignore his size and other warts as a player. He might be one of the 12 best but he is absolutely a top 6 or bust player and not close to being one of the top 6 players.

He absolutely has. On a better roster, you might have an argument. Not on this roster. Not even close.

 

[Star Platinum]

Kovalenko’s size is only an issue because the Sharks have an absolute dearth of it up front. If the Sharks had two solid top 6 forwards that were 6’2” 210lbs and a 3C of about the same size, Kovalenko on a third line wing opposite Graf seems like it could be a thing.

All that being said, I hope he gets a solid look for the rest of the way. I’ve really liked his game at times and think he could be a useful player on a winning team.

Yeah, it's actually making me think that if we do end up with the third pick, I'm on board with getting a large wing, even if it's not someone that uses their size effectively yet (Martone). We have too many similar players. And I will even plant my stake in the ground and say I have more faith in Smith going forward than Hagens, so I don't see the point of drafting him.

 

[Star Platinum]

The Sharks can’t even create 2 scoring lines and now you think they can create a 3rd.

If we sign some better forwards, we can make a better third line with the parts from our substandard second line

 

[Star Platinum]

If Smith can show he can be a 2C next year, that could be a much easier way to fix the depth issue than trying to acquire a 2C.

I still think we blew an opportunity to give him a second shot at center at the end of the year, but what's done is done.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Ehlers or Marner would probably be worth it but probably not a great fit across from Smith or Toffoli.

The problem with Ehlers and Marner is that you probably need eight figures, seven years, and full protection to get them here and they'd likely want to play with Celebrini. They have a questionable playoff career at this point. This sort of signing has a huge chance to fail. With our organizational depth being what it is, I don't know if it's worth taking the chance.

 

[Bizz]

As much as I'd love Marner or Boeser here, I'd rather have our cap space spent on fixing the blue line before making a big splash on a top 6 forward.

 

[Star Platinum]

As much as I'd love Marner or Boeser here, I'd rather have our cap space spent on fixing the blue line before making a big splash on a top 6 forward.

Thing is, I don't think it's possible for the Sharks to make a big splash with a forward unless they shore up the defense. No forward worth his salt is going to look at a team with the returning defense we have and think it's a good idea to come here if he has options, so I don't think the Sharks signing a big-time forward and not addressing defense is a possible outcome.

What could happen is if we can't get something that shows a clear upgrade at defense is we might strike out completely in free agency and end up dumpster diving again and then our only option is to hope that the 2023-24 classes start to plug holes by the end of next year.

 

[Gecklund]

Ehlers or Marner would probably be worth it but probably not a great fit across from Smith or Toffoli.

I actually think both would be an excellent fit with Smith. Hell I think Marner might be an ideal fit for Smith. If we can get him at less than say 7x14 I’d be ecstatic. I just don’t see that happening. He’d be a great fit to help cover defensively, I believe he’s not terrible on the draw (but can’t remember that for sure) and his playmaking would compliment Smith fantastic. I’d want a more physical player on the other side of Smith so just sticking in the FA pool let’s say Iafallo but that would be a great line.

 

[Friday]

Probably end up with Granlund and Ceci again. Its slim pickings out there, maybe they get lucky and get Pionk or a heavy over pay for 3 years of Brock Nelson as the 2nd/3rd line C. MG needs to find a RHD that will actually be in SJ for the next few years. Can't just toss 7th d men back there over and over. Or I guess they can if they want more lottery picks haha

 

[LadyStanley]

 

[Patty Ice]

Translation:

Everyone else has more competent defenseman to play so Sharks it is!

 

[Cas]

Chomutov could use some help to get back up to the Extraliga.

 

[vortexx]

No idea if this source is reputable at all but thought this could be worth sharing.

 

[timorous me]

No idea if this source is reputable at all but thought this could be worth sharing.

Looks like the source is his father, so...

Can't say I blame Kovalenko for wanting to leave. I like him as forward depth mostly because he's more fun to watch (because he has some skill) than a number of guys we've had to watch more than him this year, but it's not like he's really a part of the long-term future.

 

[Gecklund]

With the recent Duclair/Roy dust up, I was looking at Duclair as an add on to Dobson to try to lower the value a bit maybe and man that contract is bad. It’s only 3.5 but goes through 27/28. This is a dude with 11 points in 44 games that offers not much if anything outside of points.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

With the recent Duclair/Roy dust up, I was looking at Duclair as an add on to Dobson to try to lower the value a bit maybe and man that contract is bad. It’s only 3.5 but goes through 27/28. This is a dude with 11 points in 44 games that offers not much if anything outside of points.

If we can throw Goodrow the other way, sign me up.

 

[Gecklund]

If we can throw Goodrow the other way, sign me up.

I mean why would NYI do that? Trading Duclair for someone worse than Duclair at the same contract?

 

[Pinkfloyd]

I mean why would NYI do that? Trading Duclair for someone worse than Duclair at the same contract?

They won’t. I doubt they’d nerf Dobson’s value to move Duclair either.

 

[Gecklund]

They won’t. I doubt they’d nerf Dobson’s value to move Duclair either.

I don’t really think it’s “nerfing” Dobson’s value. More so just lowering it a small amount. Hell I’d still offer the same package from SJ (DAL 1, EDM 1, SJS 2, COL/OTT 2, some combo of Bystedt, Musty, Halttunen, Lund, etc) and call it a day.