Putting together possible future Sharks lines

Team: 2021-22 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 21, 2021

Published: Oct. 21, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

ForwardsL
Viel-Weatherby-Raska: Future 4th line that would be dangerous, both physically and on the score sheet. Viel and Raska showed great chemistry together during the preseason, let's hope they can continue it into the NHL on a nightly basis. I see them most likely together a soon as next year and as late as 2023-2024.

Dahlen-Robins-Wiesbaltt: Future 3rd line, maybe 2nd line. They would be a high energy line that would be phenomenal in transition mainly because of Wiesblatt's neutral zone play. Robins would give a great scoring touch down the middle and center 2 solid wingers that could energize the team. If Dahlen keeps his scoring touch going from Sweden and these past two games I believe this line to have all the reasons to be our future 2nd line. Line possible around 2023-2024

Eklund-Bordeleau-Coe: Future 1st line, maybe 2nd line. Bordeleau could and probably will play 1C at some point, but I think it best for the Sharks to have him as the 2C. Playing Eklund in a similar role to Panarin as the 2LW could pay dividends and help him keep up his production for longer into his career. I'm not incredibly familiar with Coe, but I believe he could add a strong defensive aspect to the line as well as a physical presence Eklund and Bordeleau might not take on. Line possible earliest 2022-2023 latest 2024-2025

Meier-Hertl-Balcers: 2nd line. This line will probably be a veteran scoring line that could play a key role in future cup run by the Sharks. Obviously this only happens if Hertl resigns.

Gushchin-Chmelevski-Leonard: 3rd line. Would most likely be another scoring focused 3rd line. Gushchin has great upside and will probably earn himself a higher spot in the line-up if there is a hole in the Veteran line. Chmelevski still hasn't locked down that NHL job, but really showed up in the preseason and he should be ready come next season. Leonard has to get his scoring going consistently, he played solid defense last season. Might be a line that lives on the idea of Strong Defense --> Strong Offense. Probably around 2023-2024

Blitchfeld-Reedy-Pederson: 4th line. Not much to say here really, could be an option to turn to for a 4th line if Viel-Weatherby-Raska can't get it together. 2023-2024

D Pairs:
Ferraro-Merkley: 1st pair. Merkley has to have a dominant season in the AHL to make his placement possible. Ferraro could be that partner to help him stay focused over an 82 game stretch + who wouldn't want to be Ferraro's D partner. Probably 2023-2024

Knyzhov-Karlsson: 2nd Pair. They played well together last season and hopefully they can build off of that when Knyzhov comes back from surgery. Knyzhov showed to be a reliable defensive defenseman that covered for Karlsson. If Karlsson keeps up his 4 points in 2 games the addition of a true defensive defenseman could allow him to be all the more aggressive. Soon as 2021-2022 (around January).

Knaizev-Hatakka: 2nd Pair. Knaizev isn't the offensive dynamo Merkley is, but he's more offensive then defensive. Putting him with a surprising rookie in Hatakka who has a solid 2-way game that lacks raw talent could make for an interesting duo. Soon as 2023-2024

Pasichnuk-Laroque: 3rd pair, 6th-7th D man. I am a huge fan of Pasichnuk and believe he should get a bigger opportunity. His solid 2-way game could make for a nice bottom pairing D man. Hopefully he gets a larger opportunity this season. Not much know about Laroque on my end, but he will probably get out classed by current RHD in the organization and any we draft in the future. 2024-2025 (sadly)

Goaltending:
Hill has been the real deal so far, already 1 shutout (be it against Montreal). He will be our starter for the next 5 years at minimum. Sky is the limit and lets hope he reaches it.

Melnichuk has this season and next season to prove himself. Goaltenders age oddly so we'll see how his development goes, but if he wants that backup job he has 2 years to work for it. Once Reimer hits FA it's Melnichuk's job to loose.

Gaudreau has the skills and opportunity to be the Sharks starter once Hill hits his 30s. Until then he should focus on his game and hone it for the big day when he gets that call up.

Some of the development timelines might be off. I'm really confident in DW Jr.'s scouting and he has drafted the ground work of a deep team in the next few years.