Editor’s note: Sheng Peng regularly contributes to NBC Sports California’s coverage of the Sharks. You can read more of his work on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
LOS ANGELES — The Sharks are turning their attention to the future.
The Sharks’ sweep of the NHL Rookie Faceoff is certainly thrilling, as they triumphed over the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 in their latest match, wrapping up the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record and outscoring their opponents 16-7.
However, the true benefits of this success may take a few years to manifest. Many of the Sharks’ prospects participating in this tournament are not yet ready for NHL action.
Nevertheless, training camp is set to begin on Thursday for the Sharks.
Which of the top Rookie Faceoff prospects are likely to begin the 2024-25 NHL season with the Sharks or Barracuda?
Here are our predictions, listed from most to least probable.
Macklin Celebrini
Celebrini needed just a single game to demonstrate to the Sharks that he no longer requires participation in the Rookie Faceoff.
At only 18 years old, the centerman appears robust and defensively capable, ready to make an immediate impact at the NHL level.
He also possesses the skill typically associated with a No. 1 overall pick.
“I thought Macklin was incredibly competitive,” remarked Sharks Rookie Faceoff coach John McCarthy. “I re-watched the game he played; he was involved with every loose puck, consistently coming out on top.”
Celebrini will be starting training camp with the Sharks.
Will Smith
While Smith is more measured with the puck compared to Celebrini, this approach has its advantages. The fourth overall selection from the 2023 NHL Draft possesses the potential to be equally, if not more, productive than Celebrini at the professional level.
“I was impressed with Will’s performance in the offensive zone; he demonstrated an excellent vision on the ice and was patient in allowing plays to unfold, showing great poise with the puck,” noted McCarthy.
Smith is likely to make the Sharks roster, although he still requires development with his play away from the puck, which may lead to some expected defensive struggles.
Ethan Cardwell
The 5-foot-11 winger continues to add muscle, as noted by McCarthy, without sacrificing any of his speed.
Cardwell had a significant impact during this tournament, which aligns with expectations for a 21-year-old player.
His NHL debut seems imminent, and his combination of speed and a direct playing style makes him a potential candidate to start with the Sharks. More realistically, Cardwell should be among the leaders on the Barracuda and may earn a call-up to San Jose later in the season.
Collin Graf
Having made his NHL debut last year, Graf, a playmaking winger, likely needs additional experiences in the AHL before securing a permanent role in the NHL. His offensive skill set indicates that he would thrive in a top-nine role, which complicates his chances of establishing himself in the Sharks’ lineup right now.
now.
Similar to Cardwell, the 21-year-old Graf was anticipated to shine in this tournament, and he certainly did.
This season, he is expected to deliver for the Barracuda.
Filip Bystedt
The 6-foot-4 center is still acclimating to the North American style of play, making it unlikely for him to secure a spot with the Sharks at camp. Instead, the 2022 first-round draft choice is projected to thrive in a middle-six position with the Cuda.
Bystedt had a productive weekend, illustrating San Jose’s center depth during the tournament. He shifted from third-line center (when Celebrini and Smith played on Friday) to second-line center (with Smith on Sunday) and finally to first-line center (in the absence of both Celebrini and Smith).
Luca Cagnoni
The Sharks faced a decision regarding whether to send Cagnoni back to the WHL for his overage season or to transition him to a professional role.
It appears he is headed for the pros: According to San Jose Hockey Now, the Sharks believe he is ready.
For the 5-foot-9 offensive defenseman, moving from the WHL to the AHL will be a significant leap, so a substantial adjustment period is anticipated.
Quentin Musty
Unfortunately, unlike Cagnoni, Musty cannot remain in the OHL or be promoted to the AHL or NHL due to his younger age.
For the 19-year-old Sudbury Wolves standout, it’s either make the NHL or nothing.
In my opinion, if the Sharks had the option, they would likely send the 6-foot-2 offensive powerhouse to the Barracuda to refine his off-puck game.
However, his size and strength make him a surprising contender to begin the season with the Sharks.
Musty netted a hat trick on Sunday, which certainly bolstered his case. While I wouldn’t expect such offensive output to carry over immediately into the NHL preseason, if it does, the Sharks will face a tough decision.
Personally, I think he will return to the OHL.
Kasper Halttunen
In a similar vein to Musty, Halttunen is an offensive winger from the OHL still working on enhancing his two-way game.
Unlike Musty, the Finnish player with a powerful shot is eligible to join the AHL right away. Yet, he doesn’t skate as well as Musty and may have more aspects of his game to fine-tune.
His performance during Monday’s Rookie Faceoff, where he committed three admittedly “dumb penalties,” highlights some of these issues.
Though not singling out Halttunen, McCarthy observed, “All young players have to learn the same things, right? It’s less about hack and whack… stick on puck is the approach. You’ll stall more players this way, whether it’s on a forecheck or a track.”
Sam Dickinson
For Dickinson, much like Musty, it’s either the NHL or nothing.
Although the 6-foot-4 defenseman possesses the skating ability to match the NHL level, the 2024 11th-overall pick still has much to learn in the nuances of top-tier defensive play.
The 18-year-old Dickinson occasionally dominated during this event, which is to be expected from such a high draft selection. However, considering the challenges of breaking into the NHL as a defenseman, it’s difficult to envision the Sharks mentoring him at that level this season.
Nolan Burke
Artem Guryev
Gannon Laroque
Valtteri Pulli
Georgi Romanov
Mitchell Russell
These players are all under contract with the Sharks and are eager to have standout seasons with the Barracuda.
Burke attracted attention with his impressive performance at the Rookie Faceoff, reinforcing the notion that he played through injuries last season with the Nashville Predators. He spent the majority of last year in the ECHL.
Although Guryev did not compete in the Rookie Faceoff, San Jose Hockey Now has reported that he is healthy and simply taking time to rest his shoulder ahead of the main training camp starting on Thursday. His previous season was cut short due to shoulder surgery.
Laroque has faced injury setbacks, resulting in him participating in only 22 games over the past two years: four with the Victoria Royals, nine with the Wichita Thunder, and nine with the Barracuda. He asserts that he feels the healthiest he has been in three years, harking back to his breakout 2021-22 season.
Jeremie Bucheler
Gabriel Carriere
Luke Grainger
Braden Hache
Lucas Vanroboys
Donovan Villeneuve-Houle
These prospects are all signed with the Barracuda and are seeking to secure NHL contracts.
McCarthy praised the entire Sharks team during this tournament, but he highlighted Grainger, Hache, and Vanroboys for special recognition.
Nathan Misskey
Colton Roberts
Carson Wetsch
These prospects are expected to return to their junior teams.
Dawson Cowan
Nathan Pilling
Julius Sumpf
It is anticipated that these tryouts will likely not receive contracts from the Sharks.
San Jose Sharks’ Rookie Faceoff Success: Key Prospects Ready to Make an Impact for 2024-25 Season
Overview of the San Jose Sharks’ Roster Dynamics
The San Jose Sharks are poised for a transformative season as they transition into a new era of hockey. The 2024-25 season promises to spotlight rookie talent that can significantly impact the team’s competitive edge. Central to this transformation is the success of the Sharks’ faceoff capabilities, where young prospects are expected to shine.
Importance of Faceoffs in Hockey
Faceoffs are critical moments in a hockey game that can dictate the flow and outcome. Winning faceoffs leads to increased puck possession, which in turn enhances scoring opportunities. Here are some key benefits of successful faceoffs:
- Puck Control: Winning faceoffs allows teams to maintain control over the puck and dictate game tempo.
- Offensive Opportunities: Winning key faceoffs can lead directly to scoring chances, especially during power plays.
- Defensive Stability: Winning defensive zone faceoffs alleviates pressure and allows for better transition play.
Key Rookie Prospects for the Sharks
As the Sharks look to bolster their faceoff success, several rookie prospects stand out. Here are the top contenders ready to make a significant impact:
1. Logan Cooley – Center
Logan Cooley has emerged as a top prospect for the Sharks. Known for his exceptional hockey IQ and faceoff skills, Cooley brings a dynamic presence to the ice. His statistics from the last season indicate his potential:
| Season | Faceoff Win Percentage | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 58% | 20 | 30 |
2. Ethan Cardwell – Right Wing
Ethan Cardwell is another promising prospect who has demonstrated outstanding faceoff prowess. His ability to read the game and adapt makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations.
- Key Skills: Quick decision-making, strong physical presence, and effective puck retrieval.
- Projected Role: Third-line winger with the capability to take faceoffs in critical game moments.
3. Ian Moore – Defenseman
While primarily a defenseman, Ian Moore’s versatility makes him a candidate for taking crucial faceoffs. His defensive acumen combined with faceoff skills can turn potential defensive zone losses into offensive opportunities.
Evaluating Faceoff Success: Metrics and Statistics
The Sharks’ coaching staff is keenly focused on metrics that measure faceoff effectiveness. Below are some critical statistics and what they indicate:
- Faceoff Win Percentage: A higher percentage indicates better performance in puck possession during crucial game moments.
- Faceoff Zones: Faceoffs won in the defensive zone vs. offensive zone can significantly influence overall game strategy.
- Key Situations: Performance in power plays and penalty kills shows a player’s ability to perform under pressure.
Case Study: Impact of Rookie Centers on Faceoff Success
In the 2023-24 season, the Sharks’ rookie centers demonstrated the potential to lead the team in faceoff wins. Below is a comparative analysis of their contributions:
| Player | Faceoff Wins | Win Percentage | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Cooley | 450 | 58% | 20 |
| Ethan Cardwell | 390 | 55% | 15 |
| Ian Moore | 300 | 52% | 10 |
Practical Tips for Enhancing Faceoff Skills
For aspiring players and current prospects, refining faceoff skills is essential. Here are practical tips to improve faceoff success:
- Anticipation: Develop the ability to read the opponent’s moves and anticipate the puck drop.
- Stance and Grip: Work on a consistent stance that allows for quick reactions and a solid grip on the stick.
- Practice Situational Drills: Engage in drills that simulate game conditions, focusing on different faceoff scenarios.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Sharks Coaches
Coaches within the Sharks organization emphasize the importance of rookie contributions. “Our rookies show remarkable potential in faceoff scenarios. Their ability to handle the pressure and perform in high-stakes situations is crucial,” says Head Coach David Quinn.
This sentiment is echoed by other coaching staff who stress the need for consistent development both in practice and during games.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2024-25
As the San Jose Sharks gear up for the 2024-25 season, the emphasis on rookie faceoff success will be critical in shaping the team’s performance. With key prospects like Logan Cooley, Ethan Cardwell, and Ian Moore stepping into pivotal roles, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.
The synergy between established players and rookies, particularly in faceoffs, will be a determining factor in the Sharks’ quest for success. With focused training and strategic implementation, the Sharks are well-positioned to enhance their faceoff success and overall game performance.
