Boughner Impressed by Ferraro, Merkley, Leonard, Chmelevski

Welcome to Day 4 of San Jose Sharks’ training camp!

Today was camp’s first scrimmage — for many Sharks, their first NHL game-like action in nearly 10 months.

Teal vs White Scrimmage Jan. 3
2-0 White, Final
Jones/Melnichuk earn the combined shutout

— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) January 3, 2021

Joel Kellman and Mario Ferraro scored.

Before we get to today’s media availability, check out the debut of Kurtis Gabriel’s Pride Tape skates:

@PrideTape @TheGOOBE @TheOfficialHDA @BlackGirlHockey @outsports @SportsMediaLGBT @playtruehockey @SanJoseSharks pic.twitter.com/e5jPTB8S7k

— Kurtis Gabriel (@kurtisgabriel) January 3, 2021

Great stuff! So who talked today?

Bob Boughner was, as usual, illuminating. He shared, without prompting, the possibility of Ferraro cracking the opening night top-four. He emphasized his desire that the San Jose Sharks’ “bottom-six” lines be speedy scoring threats. He also volunteered Ryan Merkley as a candidate for the Sharks’ — not the San Jose Barracuda’s — second power play unit. Finally, he offered camp’s first reports on prospects John Leonard and Sasha Chmelevski.

Later, Stefan Noesen talked about missing home, Ferraro pointed out where his game has grown, and Noah Gregor says he’s actually gotten faster.

Gregor Say He’s Faster, Ferraro on Where He’s Improved, Noesen Misses Home

Bob Boughner, on Mario Ferraro:

Today’s game we had, he was the best defenseman on the ice. There’s major strides in his majority, his confidence.

I wouldn’t be surprised, opening night, puck drop, that he’s not sitting in our top-four if he keeps progressing in camp.

He’s got leadership qualities. He’s a guy who people gravitate too. He brings life to every situation. The guys love having him around. I think one day, you’re going to see him wearing a letter here in San Jose.

Boughner, on if the presumed top-four — Brent Burns, Erik Karlsson, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Radim Simek — are struggling, hence his praise for Ferraro: