Prospect Info: Sharks to host 2022 Rookie Faceoff September 16-19 at Tech CU Arena and Sharks Ice

[Munnyro]

Looks like Eklund really listened to the 'shoot more' feedback. Hell to the yeah.

 

[mogambomoroo]

Even though small sample size, that's what we love to see.
Eklund and Bordeleau 3 point nights, and Eklund with that spinorama OT winner (you don't see that every day)

 

[Anomie2029]

If Eklund isn't in the NHL team, there is something seriously wrong.
This game showed the only players on the ice who are capable of playing NHL were Eklund, McTavish, and Bordeleau.

Was pretty disappointed by Weisblatt. He was getting into scrums, but just kind of felt like he was floating on the ice rather than the buzzsaw puckhound kind of player.

 

[Munnyro]

If Eklund isn't in the NHL team, there is something seriously wrong.
This game showed the only players on the ice who are capable of playing NHL were Eklund, McTavish, and Bordeleau.

Was pretty disappointed by Weisblatt. He was getting into scrums, but just kind of felt like he was floating on the ice rather than the buzzsaw puckhound kind of player.

Zellweger is probably ready.

 

[OrrNumber4]

Eklund and Bordeleau showing flashes of how players like Hertl and Labanc would look during rookie camps; they clearly stood out above the rest.

 

[Kcoyote3]

If Eklund isn't in the NHL team, there is something seriously wrong.
This game showed the only players on the ice who are capable of playing NHL were Eklund, McTavish, and Bordeleau.

Was pretty disappointed by Weisblatt. He was getting into scrums, but just kind of felt like he was floating on the ice rather than the buzzsaw puckhound kind of player.

Ozzy doesn’t do much to be an effective hockey player despite a good skating stride and good puck handling skills. He just doesn’t actually play the game.

 

[Patty Ice]

Holy Shite that was silky smooth!!

 

[CupfortheSharks]

I was there. The new arena is great. Attendance was light so I sat on the redline even though my seat was in the corner.

Eklund and Bordeleau stole the show. I can’t imagine Eklund not making the Sharks out of camp. Bordeleau, I’m not so sure. Bordeleau left the ice limping. Cicek offered to help him off but Bordeleau didn’t want help. Reedy could not keep up with them, but I’m not sure who can.

Gushchin Robins Coe were all disappointing. Gushchin got demoted to the 3rd line. Coe spends too much time floating and seems allergic to the crease. Robins was better but needs to do more.

The bottom 6 were pedestrian except Weisblatt, Raska, and McCue did a great job agitating a much bigger Ducks team.

The top 4 D worked well together. It will be a good thing if that’s the Cuda top 4.

The Ducks 1st goal was a floater from the point that should have been easily stopped.

Just some observations from a guy who was there.

 

[Eggdoh]

Looks like Eklund really listened to the 'shot more' feedback. Hell to the yeah.

For a guy that scored twice all of last year, he looked pretty deadly tonight.

I was there. The new arena is great. Attendance was light so I sat on the redline even though my seat was in the corner.

Eklund and Bordeleau stole the show. I can’t imagine Eklund not making the Sharks out of camp. Bordeleau, I’m not so sure. Bordeleau left the ice limping. Cicek offered to help him off but Bordeleau didn’t want help. Reedy could not keep up with them, but I’m not sure who can.

Gushchin Robins Coe were all disappointing. Gushchin got demoted to the 3rd line. Coe spends too much time floating and seems allergic to the crease. Robins was better but needs to do more.

The bottom 6 were pedestrian except Weisblatt, Raska, and McCue did a great job agitating a much bigger Ducks team.

The top 4 D worked well together. It will be a good thing if that’s the Cuda top 4.

The Ducks 1st goal was a floater from the point that should have been easily stopped.

Just some observations from a guy who was there.

Yeah, it was kind of odd, I thought Mann made some great saves, but both of those Ducks' goals were pretty soft.

 

[PacificOceanPotion]

Only rookie I see making the Sharks is Eklund. Bordeleau on the Cuda will be good for him. Merkley looks ready for full time duty as well.

 

[Hodge]

If Eklund isn't in the NHL team, there is something seriously wrong.

Why would something be seriously wrong with giving him a full year of development and acclimating to North American ice in the AHL before bringing him up? Why do the Sharks need to rush him, or any other prospect, when they're not trying to make the playoffs? That was the entire point of Grier bringing in so much NHL forward depth.

 

[Jargon]

Why would something be seriously wrong with giving him a full year of development and acclimating to North American ice in the AHL before bringing him up? Why do the Sharks need to rush him, or any other prospect, when they're not trying to make the playoffs? That was the entire point of Grier bringing in so much NHL forward depth.

If he’s ready to play in the NHL, why not let him develop there? I see no reason in forcing him to stay in the AHL if he proves that he’s ready to play in the big leagues and gets to learn from Hertl, Meier, etc.

 

[gaucholoco3]

Why would something be seriously wrong with giving him a full year of development and acclimating to North American ice in the AHL before bringing him up? Why do the Sharks need to rush him, or any other prospect, when they're not trying to make the playoffs? That was the entire point of Grier bringing in so much NHL forward depth.

I agree. They have NHL depth and are trying to rebuild the culture and compete level of the team. Now if he is score if at a 1.5 pt/g pace in the AHL after a few months or when the a player is needed because of an injury then absolutely bring him up. I like that Grier said the rookies can play their way to earning a NHL spot. He isn’t giving any spots to the young guys and making them EARN it.

 

[Hodge]

If he’s ready to play in the NHL, why not let him develop there? I see no reason in forcing him to stay in the AHL if he proves that he’s ready to play in the big leagues and gets to learn from Hertl, Meier, etc.

Eklund proving he’s ready for the NHL should require him scoring at a dominant rate over an extended sample size of AHL games. There is nothing he can do in preseason or training camp to prove he belongs on the Sharks.

 

[Alaskanice]

I agree. They have NHL depth and are trying to rebuild the culture and compete level of the team. Now if he is score if at a 1.5 pt/g pace in the AHL after a few months or when the a player is needed because of an injury then absolutely bring him up. I like that Grier said the rookies can play their way to earning a NHL spot. He isn’t giving any spots to the young guys and making them EARN it.

As it should be.

 

[anthonyyy]

Just happy Bordeleau seems ok.

 

[Mattb124]

Eklund proving he’s ready for the NHL should require him scoring at a dominant rate over an extended sample size of AHL games. There is nothing he can do in preseason or training camp to prove he belongs on the Sharks.

Yes, because no player ever has had such a strong camp/pre-season as to earn a promotion to the NHL. Get over yourself.

 

[Hodge]

Yes, because no player ever has had such a strong camp/pre-season as to earn a promotion to the NHL. Get over yourself.

Eklund did so just last season. That went well.

 

[TheBeard]

Eklund proving he’s ready for the NHL should require him scoring at a dominant rate over an extended sample size of AHL games. There is nothing he can do in preseason or training camp to prove he belongs on the Sharks.

I agree although I don't think the sample size needs to be as large as you may think it does. It depends on his dominance and the state of the big club. If they're seriously struggling to score goals and the team looks just lifeless and he's been dominant for say 15-20 games in the A then I don't see the problem bringing him up for a spark.

 

[Mattb124]

Eklund did so just last season. That went well.

Investment prospectuses include the statement “Past performance is no guarantee of future results” in an effort to protect dullards from themselves.

 

[SjMilhouse]

What are folks predictions for eklunds production assuming he sticks with the big club this year?

 

[Hodge]

Investment prospectuses include the statement “Past performance is no guarantee of future results” in an effort to protect dullards from themselves.

Maybe consider heeding that advice yourself instead of suggesting Eklund should be promoted straight to the NHL just because other prospects have been or because he looked good in a meaningless rookie tournament against sub-AHL competition.

Anyone who isn’t deluded enough to believe Eklund is some generational talent realizes being as safe and conservative with his development as possible is a good thing. We’re talking about a kid who wasn’t even a top player in the SHL last season. Have some patience for once.

 

[CupfortheSharks]

Eklund proving he’s ready for the NHL should require him scoring at a dominant rate over an extended sample size of AHL games. There is nothing he can do in preseason or training camp to prove he belongs on the Sharks.

I couldn’t disagree more. The 13 forwards that give the Sharks the best chance to win should make the team. Tie goes to the veteran. You shouldn’t predetermine that a young player needs to go to the AHL. If he earns a spot, he should get it.

 

[Hodge]

I couldn’t disagree more. The 13 forwards that give the Sharks the best chance to win should make the team. Tie goes to the veteran. You shouldn’t predetermine that a young player needs to go to the AHL. If he earns a spot, he should get it.

He “earned a spot” last season and how did that go? Preseason performance is meaningless at best and actively misleading at worst when it comes to judging a prospect’s NHL readiness.

The vast majority of 19 year old hockey players should not be in the NHL until they prove they can dominate a lower pro league. Eklund’s long term development is infinitely more important than winning games this season. If Trevor Zegras can begin his D+2 season in the AHL so can Eklund.

 

[Hodge]

I agree although I don't think the sample size needs to be as large as you may think it does. It depends on his dominance and the state of the big club. If they're seriously struggling to score goals and the team looks just lifeless and he's been dominant for say 15-20 games in the A then I don't see the problem bringing him up for a spark.

The team’s performance should have no bearing on whether Eklund is called up. The team’s performance doesn’t matter. They brought in vets to help change the culture but also just serve as cannon fodder while the prospects develop in the AHL. Eklund should only be called up if he’s one of the leading scorers in that league.