2025 NHL Draft: Lose a ton for Porter Martone

[Barrie22]

So we now have 8 teams with less points then us, not liking this trend lol

 

[mogambomoroo]

So we now have 8 teams with less points then us, not liking this trend lol

To be honest sooner or later, we need to be doing this. It's even more impressive if we manage to step heavily forward this year. That means Celebrini/Smith are for really real.

 

[matt trick]

We should have a pretty good idea of whether the team is for real over the next 6 games. A lot of really good teams on the road.

Moving any of Granlund, Ceci, or Blackwood would hurt performance as well, but I wouldn’t mind all three of those guys back. No stupid deals, but Ceci might end up being the best defensive RHD in free agency (Borgen maybe a better fit for 2+ years down the line), Granlund is one of the top two centers (and a proven fit), while Blackwood is performing as a playoff caliber goalie, and he’s just entering his prime.

I will say, if we sell those three the assets the return will likely be at least 1st, 2nd, 2nd+, ans all three are amongst the best options at their positions.

Before the season, I’d have guessed we get a 2nd+3rd for Granlund and 3rds for Ceci and Blackwood.

If Granny and Blackwood want to stay, might be hard to look the kids in the eyes and say, sorry we’re still rebuilding so we had to trade them. If they want to move to a playoff team, I think it’s easier.

I can see both arguments- build a winning culture (even .500) in their rookie years is a major positive, as is having quality vets- but I think the biggest path to contention is elite talent and the safest bet for elite talent is another top 4 pick, and another Smith/Askarov/Dickinson level asset in the org.

 

[Barrie22]

To be honest sooner or later, we need to be doing this. It's even more impressive if we manage to step heavily forward this year. That means Celebrini/Smith are for really real.

We need one more bottom 5 finish, 3 would be even better.

 

[sampler]

We need one more bottom 5 finish, 3 would be even better.

I certainly can see the argument here. One more superstar would really put the Sharks over the top… I guess it’s a win win right now.

If they win games and make a PO run, it’s great for the kids, and much easier as well to recruit top UFAs in summer to make 2025 a legit run.

If they struggle, they got the top pick and add one more legit star.

I guess the worst case is finishing like 10th from the bottom (not near PO but far from the big names)… I actually expect this outcome…

 

[Crewouse]

We need one more bottom 5 finish, 3 would be even better.

First Schaefer, then the cup bby

 

[coooldude]

So we now have 8 teams with less points then us, not liking this trend lol

We're still 4th worst in points%, however obviously we're on a heater since Celebrini came back.

We're tied for 4th worst in power ranking on Moneypuck, but the entire bottom 10 is within 2-ish %.

December is hard - we started with a bang, beating WSH and not even "stealing it" but legit deserving the 2pts, but I'll wait until the end of the month before declaring "holy shit, this team isn't even bad any more." It's also notable that a single injury to the top 6 could really throw these successful line combos out of whack, and a single injury in the top 4 D could also disrupt the pairings and send us back into trouble.

I'm still on the side saying "we need another high end draft pick to set us up for 2029+", but I can't deny that it's fun watching competitive Sharks hockey and seeing the kiddos picking it up.

 

[Sendhelplease]

I am pretty zen about their record right now where if we miss out on a top draft pick this year because the kids are too good I am pretty pleased with that outcome. If we end up struggling and get another good pick I am also happy with that outcome. Either way I am happy.

 

[Juxtaposer]

I had a dream that we won the Cup this season, so there's that...

 

[Barrie22]

I certainly can see the argument here. One more superstar would really put the Sharks over the top… I guess it’s a win win right now.

If they win games and make a PO run, it’s great for the kids, and much easier as well to recruit top UFAs in summer to make 2025 a legit run.

If they struggle, they got the top pick and add one more legit star.

I guess the worst case is finishing like 10th from the bottom (not near PO but far from the big names)… I actually expect this outcome…

I would be happy for the playoffs (i just see no possible way that is happening). I am a firm believer that once you are in the playoffs anything can happen, so there would be a chance for a run.

But the most realistic chances are bottom 5 or finish far enough out of the playoffs that we miss out on the near guaranteed top of the line players.

If Thrun and muk was showing more as an everyday player where he could be pushing ferraro, ceci, rutta farther down the defensive lineup then maybe just maybe this draft wouldn't be so important. But i am scared that without another top end defensemen to go with Dickinson then we will just end up in the never ending cycle of rebuilds like buffalo.

 

[Alaskanice]

I had a dream that we won the Cup this season, so there's that...

Bottle that dream.

 

[Jargon]

I had a dream that we won the Cup this season, so there's that...

Can you imagine the ridiculousness of not being able to win for years with Joe, Marleau, Pavs, Burns, etc and then accidentally winning one in Celebrini’s first year? It amuses me so much it feels like it has to happen now.

 

[sharski]

I had a dream that we won the Cup this season, so there's that...

of course it would happen the 1 year i don't place a troll bet

Can you imagine the ridiculousness of not being able to win for years Joe, Marleau, Pavs, Burns, etc and then accidentally winning one in Celebrini’s first year? It amuses me so much it feels like it has to happen now.

16-0 playoff run incoming

 

[Jargon]

of course it would happen the 1 year i don't place a troll bet


16-0 playoff run incoming

What has to happen is Muhk makes the team and plays not like a middle pairing D but a #2. Askarov takes over after a Blackwood trade and is immediately a sensation, teams can’t score on him. When one of our bottom 6 guys gets hurt, Graf gets called up and starts scoring at a 25 goal pace. Smith and Celebrini start scoring even MORE. Cagnoni steals one of the bottom pairing roles and puts up serious numbers…

Seems reasonable.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Can you imagine the ridiculousness of not being able to win for years with Joe, Marleau, Pavs, Burns, etc and then accidentally winning one in Celebrini’s first year? It amuses me so much it feels like it has to happen now.

That would be incredibly maddening, but like, hilarious.

Imagine Macklin coming home to Jumbo after winning the Conn Smythe being all "what, like it's hard?"

 

[Barrie22]

That would be incredibly maddening, but like, hilarious.

Imagine Macklin coming home to Jumbo after winning the Conn Smythe being all "what, like it's hard?"

Only question then would be, would thornton get his ring as part of the organization even though he technically has no job within the organization right now.

 

[hohosaregood]

Can you imagine the ridiculousness of not being able to win for years with Joe, Marleau, Pavs, Burns, etc and then accidentally winning one in Celebrini’s first year? It amuses me so much it feels like it has to happen now.

Part of my delusion on this is Dickinson joining the team in April and instantly being a 1D for the cup run lol

 

[Jargon]

That would be incredibly maddening, but like, hilarious.

Imagine Macklin coming home to Jumbo after winning the Conn Smythe being all "what, like it's hard?"

“It’s the easiest trophy in sports, Joe!”

 

[sharski]

That would be incredibly maddening, but like, hilarious.

Imagine Macklin coming home to Jumbo after winning the Conn Smythe being all "what, like it's hard?"

“It’s the easiest trophy in sports, Joe!”

Celebrini: *skates by all the OG Sharks* "THAT'S ONE"

 

[Barrie22]

Part of my delusion on this is Dickinson joining the team in April and instantly being a 1D for the cup run lol

Musty will be available in april, dickinson will not due to being on London.

 

[sampler]

I would be happy for the playoffs (i just see no possible way that is happening). I am a firm believer that once you are in the playoffs anything can happen, so there would be a chance for a run.

But the most realistic chances are bottom 5 or finish far enough out of the playoffs that we miss out on the near guaranteed top of the line players.

If Thrun and muk was showing more as an everyday player where he could be pushing ferraro, ceci, rutta farther down the defensive lineup then maybe just maybe this draft wouldn't be so important. But i am scared that without another top end defensemen to go with Dickinson then we will just end up in the never ending cycle of rebuilds like buffalo.

yeah, your logic is sound. I too would love another A+ D prospect, but I am not sure its needed to make a run soon. Cagnoni and Dick are a pretty good couple of prospects. and I keep harping on Pohlcamp because I think he is a legit dark horse to be a top 4 NHL Dman. He has the work ethic and motor to do it.

I think the sharks are only a few guys away:
--> 2 more top 9 forwards (if they keep granny):
Celebrini-Eklund-Zetterlund
Granlund-Smith-NEW F
Wennberg-Toffoli- NEW F
Dyll-Grund-Best Rookies (Graf? Bystedt? etc...)

--> One more top 4D (if they keep Ceci:
New D-Walman
Ferraro-Liljgren
Ceci-Dick

They can go shopping this summer for those guys, as even after resigning Ceci, zetterlund and Granny, they will have some 20M in cap space, so they can spend approx 7M per on 2F's and 1D. Bennett, Ehlers, and Chechryn could be the three. Not sure 7M per gets any of those, but maybe?

 

[Cas]

Only question then would be, would thornton get his ring as part of the organization even though he technically has no job within the organization right now.

The team can give a ring to anyone they want, so probably.

 

[Star Platinum]

We should have a pretty good idea of whether the team is for real over the next 6 games. A lot of really good teams on the road.

Moving any of Granlund, Ceci, or Blackwood would hurt performance as well, but I wouldn’t mind all three of those guys back. No stupid deals, but Ceci might end up being the best defensive RHD in free agency (Borgen maybe a better fit for 2+ years down the line), Granlund is one of the top two centers (and a proven fit), while Blackwood is performing as a playoff caliber goalie, and he’s just entering his prime.

I will say, if we sell those three the assets the return will likely be at least 1st, 2nd, 2nd+, ans all three are amongst the best options at their positions.

Before the season, I’d have guessed we get a 2nd+3rd for Granlund and 3rds for Ceci and Blackwood.

If Granny and Blackwood want to stay, might be hard to look the kids in the eyes and say, sorry we’re still rebuilding so we had to trade them. If they want to move to a playoff team, I think it’s easier.

I can see both arguments- build a winning culture (even .500) in their rookie years is a major positive, as is having quality vets- but I think the biggest path to contention is elite talent and the safest bet for elite talent is another top 4 pick, and another Smith/Askarov/Dickinson level asset in the org.

I think there's a good argument for Ceci coming back. He gets important minutes here and plays higher in the rotation than he would on almost any other team. I'm sure Grier will have a conversation with him at some point to gauge his interest in returning before deciding whether to trade or not, but I'd lean on the side of keeping him if he wants to stay.

With Blackwood, he knows he's heading for a backup role here sooner or later, so it's probably best to get what you can while you can.

If they keep winning like this, Granlund may want to stay.

 

[Jargon]

I think Blackwood is likely gone by the trade deadline unless A. He’s down to stay for a couple of seasons even with the chance he’d become a backup, B. We’re in a playoff spot.

Vanacek has been pretty good too and if Blackwood can yield a 2nd or a B-prospect or something, I think I’d rather take that. He’s been great though.

 

[sampler]

I fully expect at least one goalie traded by the TDL, but possibly sooner. Grier should pick a price (at least a 2nd if not more) and then just wait. Its obvious that Askarov is ready for NHL action, but the sharks have no reason at all to be in a rush or take a poor return. let a desperate team over-offer and make the deal then. The sharks hold all the cards here.

As for ceci and granny, If we are far out at the TDL (like bottom 5), clearly still 2-3 years from contention, then you gotta sell both and take the return. On the other hand, if we are competitive (like .500), then I think you gotta consider resigning them if they want to stay, simply because 2025 can be a go-for-launch year.

In truth, late 1sts really arent that valuable. I mean, gusy picked in the 25-30 range rarely beome top 6 forwards or top 4 Dmen. The last sharks picks 20-32 are bystedt, weisblatt, Merkley, Roy, Goldobin, Coyle, Petrecki...

Only one of those guys was even a top 9 forward, and none were stars. As such, while stockpiling good prospects is key, keeping good vet talent when you want to make a return to the PO's is also key.