San Jose Draft Review

San Jose managed to get their hands on a 1st round pick this season, the previous GM had traded away most of the Sharks high picks and left the prospect cupboard looking pretty bare. The 29th overall pick was acquired from the Nashville Predators in return for star winger Vladimir Tarasenko. The Sharks also had picks 41, 85, 165, 197 & 224 in the 2021 EHE entry draft. Let's dive into who was chosen and introduce you to your new prospects:

29th OVERALL:

Wyatt Johnston C 6'1" 179 lbs - Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

The only hockey Johnston has played since the lockdowns was at the U18 tournament prior to the NHL draft where he looked fantastic. He also got into the WJSS after the NHL draft, giving EHE teams another chance to view the highly touted prospect. Wyatt is a hard worker on the ice, he's got a great motor and doesn't shy away from the physical side of the game in order to make plays. His passing is on point and he utilizes teammates well. He'll need to fill out a bit but he's still strong despite only being 179lbs. He'll be back with Windsor this year and is poised to have a big season.

Expectations: Middle 6 two-way center. Maybe 3 seasons away from the NHL, so 4 seasons away in the EHE.

41st OVERALL:

Scott Morrow RHD 6'2" 192 lbs - UMass (NCAA)

A highly skilled defender, Morrow will be taking his talents to UMass in the NCAA this season who have been turning out solid defencemen lately. Morrow can make players look silly with his puck skills and ability to evade denfending players with his skating. As with most offensive minded young players Scott will have to develop his game on the defensive side, and there seems like no better place to do that then in a good NCAA program.

Expectations: 2nd PP QB, 3rd/2nd pairing puck moving D. Probably not gonna stay the full 4 years at UMass, but he's probably a good 4 years away from the NHL. That puts him at 5 seasons to make any kind of impact in the EHE.

85th OVERALL:

Josiah Slavin LW 6'3" 190 lbs - Rockford Icehogs (AHL)

Slavin is the brother of the EHE Rangers defenceman Jaccob. He's a power forward who will take time to fully develop, perhaps that's why he's gone undrafted the last few years in the EHE. He turned pro last year and got 15 games in Rockford where he looked promising in a limited role. He's got a heavy shot, is a big net presence, and can play a physical brand of hockey. He's been working on his skating which has improved his first step but his edge work is still a work in progress.

Expectations: 3rd line power forward LW. Will need a full year in the AHL this year to see where he's at. Bare minimum he's 2 years away from the NHL, 3 seasons for the EHE.

165th OVERALL:

Francesco Arcuri C 6'2" 188 lbs - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

The two OHL Francescos headed to the AlpsHL to play against men last year (Arcuri & Pinelli). Both looked really solid in those roles, but a big difference between the two was Arcuri's team only won one game while he led his team in scoring. That's a pretty good feat for a draft eligible player. He's a pass first player that showed a bit of a scoring touch last year. He's good on the perimeter but will need to hone his shot as he isn't much of a scoring threat from distance.

Expectations: Middle 6 playmaking center. Boom/bust seems to fit here, 6th round picks are unlikely to make the NHL so he may never reach these expectations. That said this is the perfect project to have in a system lacking much at all down the middle.

197th OVERALL:

Matias Rajaniemi LHD 6'4" 205 lbs - Lahden Pelicans (Liiga)

Drafted in 2020 in the NHL, Rajaniemi was one of the younger players available in that draft. He saw increased ice-time with the Pelicans this year and even got some time on the power play. Not a world beater on offense, his bread and butter is his defensive positioning and strength. He needs to continue to develop his shot to cash in more on the PP next season if the opportunity is still there for him.

Expectations: 2nd/3rd Pairing complementary defensive dman. It's a long shot that he meets these expectations, he may never come over to NA. Sharks are happy to roll the dice with him though.

224th OVERALL:

Hugo Ollas G 6'8" 238 lbs - Merrimack College (NCAA)

Ollas will venture over to the NCAA this coming season, he's a massive goalie out of Sweden who's more of a butterfly goalie due to his size. Another 2020 draft choice that was passed over in the EHE, he wasn't really on the Sharks radar until the commitment to the NCAA was confirmed. He tracks pucks well, uses his huge frame to square up to shots and never makes unnessissary movements. He needs to work on rebound control if he's going to succeed at the next level.

Expectations: Goalies are voodoo. Honestly though would be thrilled if he became an AHL goalie for us. Will get a much better look at him this year in the NCAA.

Look for the Sharks top 10 prospect list in the spring. Until then, enjoy the offseason!

Cheers