Team: 2024-25 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 15, 2022

Published: Oct. 15, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think at the 2023 Draft it’ll be between Chicago, AZ or SJ on who gets the #1 Bedard pick.. He’s a Crosby like talent and someone you build around. They’ve never had a #1 overall selection before in their ~35 year existence.

I also think the Sharks will either keep Couture/Hertl or they could deal one & in return sign or trade for a Top D man. If they keep both they could afford to sign a LD like Towes to play with EK. If they keep Hertl I think he’s best suited on the Wing… guy can dangle on anyone and he makes sick plays when he has freedom which he doesn’t now as a Center. They also need/could sign a UFA top winger anywhere between 7M-9M AAV. Nylander would be cool to see playing with Meier.

I’m still not sold on the bottom 2 D pairings, Even Merkley is a big ??? if the Sharks qualify him. Not sure if the new Management sees him as an NHL level D man. I think if they can just get a top LD to pair with EK everything else below will fall into place.

If Strauss Mann turns out to be the goalie he’s projected then I believe he’s the future #1 for SJ .. Kappo is a good younger 1B/Backup.

Who knows.. this is all 2 years down the line. A lot of moving parts but all I know is if the Sharks can hit the lotto and land Bedard it would change the franchise forever. + Eklund, Bordeleau & Coe + even Bystedt and a few other prospects who could/will all be NHL ready. New wave of players coming in much like when Couture, Hertl and Meier came in back in 2011, 2013, 2015 and the Sharks went to the Cup finals in ‘16.