NEW: What’s Sharks’ Off-Season Direction? We React to Grier’s Exit Interview

[gaucholoco3]

The only player I will criticize Warso for not playing enough is Grundstrom. He has shown top 9 skill in the past (15 goal pace last 3 seasons before this one) while playing the physical north-south style Warso wants and would be a great complement on any of our top three lines.

He hasn’t produced this year but has almost exclusively been on the 4th line. I can see why he has not been given the same opportunities that Kovalenko and Kostin have but it would be interesting to see him as a 3rd wheel F1 on a top 6 line (the Sharks can only ice two top 9 caliber lines).

 

[Pinkfloyd]

It’s not about the style of a line. It is about the level of linemates. All those 4 players mentioned earlier do not provide much value defensively and need to score to provide value. They also are not capable of driving play at the NHL level. So if the Sharks had the depth to play one of those 4 in a 3rd line role with players that can drive play and provide scoring then they could play on the bottom 6. The truth is the Sharks don’t have the depth to have even a 2nd line like that let alone a 3rd.

They can put together the level of players necessary to do that if they had the proper forethought to do so. I think they do have the depth for two lines and can do so for three lines next season with the correct moves.

 

[Cas]

He hasn’t produced this year but has almost exclusively been on the 4th line. I can see why he has not been given the same opportunities that Kovalenko and Kostin have but it would be interesting to see him as a 3rd wheel F1 on a top 6 line (the Sharks can only ice two top 9 caliber lines).

The only team that Grundstrom deserves to play in the top nine on is an AHL team. He's a replacement-level plug playing his way out of the NHL.

 

[Patty Ice]

I'm pretty skeptical at this point that there's some hidden ability hiding in Ostapchuk as well.

All that talk of him being our future 3C was rubbish from the start. It was putting too lofty expectations IMO. Can he be a full in when needed? Sure but the Sharks will be in a much better spot if he is a 4th line staple going forward.

 

[spintops]

All that talk of him being our future 3C was rubbish from the start. It was putting too lofty expectations IMO. Can he be a full in when needed? Sure but the Sharks will be in a much better spot if he is a 4th line staple going forward.

Trading a productive fan favorite for a 4th liner doesn't have the same ring to it

 

[Star Platinum]

I feel like we've had an issue on the 3rd line of not having a good enough partner for Graf to play against and Gushchin/Bordeleau/Cardwell could have been an interesting option there at least to get them that audition time

I feel like a Graf-Wennberg-Kovalenko line would be an interesting third line

 

[CHALUPA]

All that talk of him being our future 3C was rubbish from the start. It was putting too lofty expectations IMO. Can he be a full in when needed? Sure but the Sharks will be in a much better spot if he is a 4th line staple going forward.

Still too early to judge his career, imo

 

[OrrNumber4]

All that talk of him being our future 3C was rubbish from the start. It was putting too lofty expectations IMO. Can he be a full in when needed? Sure but the Sharks will be in a much better spot if he is a 4th line staple going forward.

I get this feeling, but consider how quick fans were to poo-poo Smith and Zetterlund. Ostapchuk is young and can certainly get better.

 

[Patty Ice]

Still too early to judge his career, imo

I get this feeling, but consider how quick fans were to poo-poo Smith and Zetterlund. Ostapchuk is young and can certainly get better.

I agree with the sentiment. Surely he can always improve but he was sold to a lot of people as the future 3C. I'm only suggesting to temper that expectation.

 

[Lebanezer]

I get this feeling, but consider how quick fans were to poo-poo Smith and Zetterlund. Ostapchuk is young and can certainly get better.

Smith and Zetterlund had some documented success prior to acquisition. Ostapchuk hasn't shown much productivity at all as a pro. He is only 21, but he's not trending in the right direction. And the Sharks use of him right now isn't really helping with that.

 

[Star Platinum]

I get this feeling, but consider how quick fans were to poo-poo Smith and Zetterlund. Ostapchuk is young and can certainly get better.

Will Smith and Zach Ostapchuk are not remotely in the same category as prospects. I won't speak on Zetterlund as I wasn't watching when that trade happened. But even when Smith was struggling, you'd see glimpses of the skill he's showing now. I haven't really seen anything from Ostapchuk that distinguishes him from any of our bottom six plugs. I certainly hope it shows at some point, but it hasn't yet.

 

[OrrNumber4]

Will Smith and Zach Ostapchuk are not remotely in the same category as prospects. I won't speak on Zetterlund as I wasn't watching when that trade happened. But even when Smith was struggling, you'd see glimpses of the skill he's showing now. I haven't really seen anything from Ostapchuk that distinguishes him from any of our bottom six plugs. I certainly hope it shows at some point, but it hasn't yet.

I don't mean that they are in the same class, but that people, generally, didn't think Smith belonged in the NHL/his future was not as bright as initially expected. Basically, he was underestimated.

If you want a better comparison, think about how long it took for Barclay Goodrow to develop into a great third-liner.

 

[timorous me]

Will Smith and Zach Ostapchuk are not remotely in the same category as prospects. I won't speak on Zetterlund as I wasn't watching when that trade happened. But even when Smith was struggling, you'd see glimpses of the skill he's showing now. I haven't really seen anything from Ostapchuk that distinguishes him from any of our bottom six plugs. I certainly hope it shows at some point, but it hasn't yet.

That being said, Ostapchuk had played every game, I think, until Minnesota stapled on a line with Goodrow. How did he look on that line? Pretty invisible—which is to say, about the same as Smith (and everyone else on the team) has looked on a line with Goodrow this season.

So yeah, I'm definitely reserving judgment on a 21-year-old coming over at the deadline being thrown into this situation. And really, when we're talking about "future 3C," you've got a good bit of runway when talking about someone that age. Not to say he'll get there—he certainly will need to start showing more offensive capabilities next season, but it sure the hell would be easier to do that if he's playing with guys who can actually exit their zone and make it to the other team's zone before losing the puck or having to make a line change.

 

[coooldude]

That being said, Ostapchuk had played every game, I think, until Minnesota stapled on a line with Goodrow. How did he look on that line? Pretty invisible—which is to say, about the same as Smith (and everyone else on the team) has looked on a line with Goodrow this season.

So yeah, I'm definitely reserving judgment on a 21-year-old coming over at the deadline being thrown into this situation. And really, when we're talking about "future 3C," you've got a good bit of runway when talking about someone that age. Not to say he'll get there—he certainly will need to start showing more offensive capabilities next season, but it sure the hell would be easier to do that if he's playing with guys who can actually exit their zone and make it to the other team's zone before losing the puck or having to make a line change.

For the first few games, Ostapchuk looked like he was struggling to keep up, and the definition of a Guy from the Guy factory at best.

In the past few games, I've seen more flashes of defensive/ puck possession prowess, decent in the dot (and only 21), and he's certainly a big body that moves quite well. It's too inconsistent and he hasn't done nearly enough as you said to create at least *some* ugly, greasy offensive chances, but I'm not writing him off yet.

 

[timorous me]

For the first few games, Ostapchuk looked like he was struggling to keep up, and the definition of a Guy from the Guy factory at best.

In the past few games, I've seen more flashes of defensive/ puck possession prowess, decent in the dot (and only 21), and he's certainly a big body that moves quite well. It's too inconsistent and he hasn't done nearly enough as you said to create at least *some* ugly, greasy offensive chances, but I'm not writing him off yet.

It's going to be interesting to see what the plan is for him next season. Ideally, you have a situation where Wennberg is able to drop back down to 3C. Then the question for me becomes, would I rather see Ostapchuk centering a 4th line alongside, say, Goodrow and Dellandrea/Grundstrom, or playing bigger minutes alongside some more skilled youngsters with the Barracuda?

Considering that I doubt Goodrow is going to get better at 32 after two terrible seasons, I think Ostapchuk would probably be better off in the A, since we need to see him actually hone some of those offensive skills and he ain't gonna do that on that kind of 4th line.

 

[DG93]

It's going to be interesting to see what the plan is for him next season. Ideally, you have a situation where Wennberg is able to drop back down to 3C. Then the question for me becomes, would I rather see Ostapchuk centering a 4th line alongside, say, Goodrow and Dellandrea/Grundstrom, or playing bigger minutes alongside some more skilled youngsters with the Barracuda?

Considering that I doubt Goodrow is going to get better at 32 after two terrible seasons, I think Ostapchuk would probably be better off in the A, since we need to see him actually hone some of those offensive skills and he ain't gonna do that on that kind of 4th line.

Yeah, I think this has been laid out nicely by others before, but if Grier is serious about taking the next step and moving up the standings, next year's major change can't be just adding more kids. I think Graf and Mukh have earned long looks in appropriate roles. Dickinson may get a short audition like Musty, but I anticipate he's juniors bound again unless they want to do the Smith type transition with him in the #6 D-man role. Askarov is going to be the starting goalie but needs a true 1B goaltender. Maybe a young guy like Bystedt, Ostapchuk, or Cardwell grabs a 4th line spot but that's it in terms of new young guys joining imo.

The roster skeleton looks kind of like this:
Forwards: Eklund-Celebrini-Toffoli, X-Smith-X (or X-X-Smith), X-Wennberg-Graf, Goodrow (better to just accept it)-Dellandrea-Grundstrom
Defensemen: X-X, Ferraro-Mukh, X-Liljegren, Thrun/Desharnais
Goalies: Askarov-X

Must-adds in the offseason: Two top-4 defensemen to fill the top pair openings (basically replace/upgrade Walman/Ceci), true top-6 winger (ie another Toffoli-level winger), top-9 center/winger (someone capable of playing 2nd line minutes but ultimately plays mostly with Wennberg/Graf), legit 1B goalie
Ideally but likely won't happen: Another top-6/top-9 forward

Best-case scenario is that the Sharks are able to draft Schaefer and he solidifies that spot next to Liljegren. Otherwise, that's where Dickinson can rotate in and out with Thrun I guess in #6 minutes. If the Sharks are serious about getting out of the basement, also need to add those top-6/top-9 forwards because we can't be penciling in Musty/Chernyshov there as rookies. If they create a problem roster-wise by crushing camp, great. Otherwise, off to the AHL they go. If Bystedt/Ostapchuk/Cardwell push Dellandrea into the pressbox, great. If not, they're in the AHL. And then the 1B goalie addition is huge because Askarov seems kind of injury-prone a bit on top of being 22 years old, and regardless, that defense is going to suck so want to make sure he's insulated.

 

[Lebanezer]

The Sharks do not need to add any top 6 wingers in the offseason. Next season should be a never ending audition between Graf, Musty, Chernyshov, Halttunen, Lund and anyone else with a legitimate shot to take that role. There’s no need to block them.

 

[DG93]

The Sharks do not need to add any top 6 wingers in the offseason. Next season should be a never ending audition between Graf, Musty, Chernyshov, Halttunen, Lund and anyone else with a legitimate shot to take that role. There’s no need to block them.

This is a great way to finish bottom-3 again, which if Grier is okay with that, I could see happening. May as well keep Dickinson up all season then too. If you are trying to get out of the cellar, then none of those prospects should be in the top-6.

 

[Lebanezer]

This is a great way to finish bottom-3 again, which if Grier is okay with that, I could see happening. May as well keep Dickinson up all season then too. If you are trying to get out of the cellar, then none of those prospects should be in the top-6.

I don't think the final top 6 winger position is of much consequence to the overall performance of the team next season. The improvement of Celebrini and Smith will be the biggest factor in success next season. After them, defensive improvements whether by trade or prospect arrival/development and Askarov playing a much larger percentage of games. Wennberg isn't going to be dropped out of the top 6 until Smith establishes the ability to be that second line center, and they have enough top 6 wingers to spread out the depth. Whoever is plugged into that top 6 wing role will not be asked to PK and will be on the 2nd PP unit, unless they explode. I can see an argument for signing a veteran 3C who PKs and helps stabilize the bottom 6, but that top 6 wing position should probably be the lowest priority for next season. There's a ton of internal options with the potential to fill that position long term, and that role has the least amount of pressure relative to team success, as offense isn't nearly as big an issue as defense, goaltending and the PK.

 

[DG93]

I don't think the final top 6 winger position is of much consequence to the overall performance of the team next season. The improvement of Celebrini and Smith will be the biggest factor in success next season. After them, defensive improvements whether by trade or prospect arrival/development and Askarov playing a much larger percentage of games. Wennberg isn't going to be dropped out of the top 6 until Smith establishes the ability to be that second line center, and they have enough top 6 wingers to spread out the depth. Whoever is plugged into that top 6 wing role will not be asked to PK and will be on the 2nd PP unit, unless they explode. I can see an argument for signing a veteran 3C who PKs and helps stabilize the bottom 6, but that top 6 wing position should probably be the lowest priority for next season. There's a ton of internal options with the potential to fill that position long term, and that role has the least amount of pressure relative to team success, as offense isn't nearly as big an issue as defense, goaltending and the PK.

I agree that it is probably less important than adding top-4 defensemen and a real 1B goalie, but I think you're underrating how important real top-6 forwards are...yes, Smith and Celebrini will dictate the ceiling of the team, but giving them green unqualified rookies instead of established top-6 NHL forwards is certainly not helping.

 

[Lebanezer]

I agree that it is probably less important than adding top-4 defensemen and a real 1B goalie, but I think you're underrating how important real top-6 forwards are...yes, Smith and Celebrini will dictate the ceiling of the team, but giving them green unqualified rookies instead of established top-6 NHL forwards is certainly not helping.

If the only focus is on short term gain, then sure, you can sign someone. I don't think it serves a purpose next year, because the goal is about building long term success and seeing what some of the high ceiling prospects can accomplish. I also don't think that I would describe them as unqualified. Some of those guys have extremely high ceilings (Chernyshov and Musty), higher than most people that could reasonably be signed, and Graf has had a strong first season.

 

[TheBeard]

I don't think the final top 6 winger position is of much consequence to the overall performance of the team next season. The improvement of Celebrini and Smith will be the biggest factor in success next season. After them, defensive improvements whether by trade or prospect arrival/development and Askarov playing a much larger percentage of games. Wennberg isn't going to be dropped out of the top 6 until Smith establishes the ability to be that second line center, and they have enough top 6 wingers to spread out the depth. Whoever is plugged into that top 6 wing role will not be asked to PK and will be on the 2nd PP unit, unless they explode. I can see an argument for signing a veteran 3C who PKs and helps stabilize the bottom 6, but that top 6 wing position should probably be the lowest priority for next season. There's a ton of internal options with the potential to fill that position long term, and that role has the least amount of pressure relative to team success, as offense isn't nearly as big an issue as defense, goaltending and the PK.

This is actually why I'd love to bring back Granlund. He can play 2C for now while Smith continues to develop and when they're ready to thrust him into that roll Granny can play on the wing like he's been doing in Dallas on their second line.

 

[Star Platinum]

The Sharks do not need to add any top 6 wingers in the offseason. Next season should be a never ending audition between Graf, Musty, Chernyshov, Halttunen, Lund and anyone else with a legitimate shot to take that role. There’s no need to block them.

Too much youth at the same time. Those last four guys all need to work on their games in the AHL next year and if one of them stands out and earns a shot, maybe we'll make room for him later in the year (otherwise one of them comes up as an injury replacement like Graf did this year).

Graf I would be inclined to pair with Wennberg on a third line next year if they can find a good partner for them. I'd like to see Kovalenko get a shot with them, but it could be someone they acquire in the offseason. Not any of our current bottom 6 guys though. Swing Graf up to a 2nd line role when injuries occur.

I think the Sharks could probably go for a longer-term wing and a shorter-term bridge type of forward (someone who can play center if they don't want Smith to be a center next year) for next season. Or I'd be fine with two bridge-type guys while we wait to see how well Musty and Chernyshov develop next year. But this team simply doesn't have enough scoring talent on its roster and needs to acquire more of it for next season.

 

[Jargon]

I think at the very least, the offseason could give us something like this team:

Eklund - Celebrini - Toffoli
Granlund (re-signed, can play C too) - Smith - FA/Trade (legit top 6 player)
Graf - Wennberg - Kovalenko

4th line is whatever, we have so many 4th liners…….

FA - FA/Trade (Ekblad? Hamilton?)
Ferraro - Muhk
Dickinson - Liljegren

The defense is the absolute hardest - can they somehow find guys to be able to fill the top 2 spots well enough that it’s not embarrassing?

Chernyshov, Musty, Haltunnen, etc. go bake in the AHL, whoever pops is the first injury replacement (or beats our Kovalenko or whatever).

If we can’t snag anyone but Granlund, might also consider redoing the top 6 like this:

Kovalenko - Celebrini - Smith
Eklund - Granlund - Toffoli

But I think it behooves us to put Kovalenko in the bottom 6 and get a legit top 6 guy.

 

[sampler]

Too much youth at the same time. Those last four guys all need to work on their games in the AHL next year and if one of them stands out and earns a shot, maybe we'll make room for him later in the year (otherwise one of them comes up as an injury replacement like Graf did this year).

Graf I would be inclined to pair with Wennberg on a third line next year if they can find a good partner for them. I'd like to see Kovalenko get a shot with them, but it could be someone they acquire in the offseason. Not any of our current bottom 6 guys though. Swing Graf up to a 2nd line role when injuries occur.

I think the Sharks could probably go for a longer-term wing and a shorter-term bridge type of forward (someone who can play center if they don't want Smith to be a center next year) for next season. Or I'd be fine with two bridge-type guys while we wait to see how well Musty and Chernyshov develop next year. But this team simply doesn't have enough scoring talent on its roster and needs to acquire more of it for next season.

I think it makes sense to add a long term forward piece even if they dont intend to compete next year. If they want to compete in '26-27, they will need to start adding this summer. Not saying they WILL do it, but I do think they should.

Boeser just turned 28. Great age for the next 4+ years. 6'1, 210, so good size. Pretty healthy as he's played 70+ games every year for the last 4 straight.

Most importantly, the kid can score. had 40 last year, 25 this year. If Smith takes the 2C slot, then they will need at least 2 top line wingers (toff and ek are the other two). Cherny,musty,haltunnen, graf, etc... they could do it eventually, but not next year. Rookies don't play top 6 roles successfully very often, as you can see how rare the celly and smith seasons are. Boeser would slot in very nicely in the top 6, next year and for years to come. hes had a rough year in vancouver so I expect hell hit the market. He also had some controversy and could use a fresh start. SJ could be a good destination for him.