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Thoughts on the Sharks draft |
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Thoughts on the Sharks draft
The San Jose Sharks enter this year’s draft with a first round pick for the first time in years and who is to say that they will have that pick when the 17th choice in the first round is called. GM Wilson hasn’t been shy to trade away the team’s first round pick in the past, and if a deal for Rick Nash happens there is a good chance that history would repeat itself.
San Jose’s picks after the first go from the fifty-five spot in the second round to 138th in the fifth missing the third and fourth rounds. They have one sixth and two seventh round picks.
However, provided that the Sharks use their first pick there are a few different avenues that they could go.
San Jose could pick for organizational need which would most likely be a tough forward with some sand paper. They have some depth in the minors between the pipes and there is a lack of depth forwards who could evolve into first or second line players. These types of role players are important because of injuries and teams always need somebody to step up in the playoffs and make a difference. Thomas Wilson from the Plymouth Whalers is a 205 pound power forward who likes to mix things up. He came on at the end of the season and was a point a game player in the playoffs. He was also a standout player in the prospects game.
The most likely route that the Sharks will take provided they keep their pick is to draft the most skilled player on the board at the time. San Jose is a “now team” meaning their window for a chance to raise the Cup is now not a few years down the road. This of course means that whomever they choose may never suit up for team teal and would be dealt at the trade deadline or sooner. Choosing the best player available is never a bad idea unless there is a glaring need and a player who can step in right away and fill a void.
GM Wilson has been unpredictable in the past but I don’t expect him to trade up unless it is part of a major blockbuster deal possibly involving a third team.
Unless an obvious choice from overseas is available expect the Sharks to choose North American. The further into the late rounds teams get the less chance there is of players making an impact in the organization. Kids who grow up here and speak the language are typically able to adapt to the changes in their lives better than others. They don’t have to learn a new language or live with a family and language barriers.
North American kids grow up here with the best exposure to NHL hockey and know what it takes to win. They, we get a bird’s eye view of the sacrifices that are made to be a successful professional hockey player in both the NHL and the AHL. There are less surprises for them therefore there are less risks in picking kids close to home.
As it is every year, it is important that the Shark’s first two rounder’s make a difference for the organization. All picks are important this year as the pond in Worcester isn’t exactly full. The Sharks have been a “now team” for years and things are a little depleted down there due to buying at the deadline instead of selling. This is why scouting is so vital to an organization’s success.
Regardless of how things turn out this week-end with the draft and free agency beginning on July 1st it is a dramatic time to be a hockey fan.
Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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