San Jose Sharks
Sharks Win 2026 Draft Lottery, Get No. 2 Pick
The San Jose Sharks have won the 2026 Draft Lottery!
They moved up from the No. 9 spot to No. 2.
“It’s exciting for us,” San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier told ESPN. “For the most part, we’re going to look at best player.”
The Sharks were in the running for the No. 1 pick, and in the first draw for that pick, after three lottery balls (of four), needed a No. 3 ping pong ball. They didn’t get that, and the Toronto Maple Leafs moved from the fifth spot to first-overall.
But, in the second draw, the San Jose Sharks got the winning combination to steal the No. 2 pick.
The Vancouver Canucks, the worst team in the NHL this season, ended up with the third-overall selection.
Winger Gavin McKenna is the consensus No. 1 pick, and if he goes to the Maple Leafs, there’s still a world of possibilities for the Sharks. Could they opt for winger Ivar Stenberg, perhaps the biggest threat to McKenna for first-overall? Or, they’ll get their choice of top defensemen, perhaps Chase Reid?
Either way, even after a resurgent 2025-26 campaign that saw the Sharks in the playoff hunt until the last week of the season, they’re still sitting pretty for the 2026 Draft.
The 2026 Draft will be held in Buffalo on Jun. 26 and 27.
This is the current order of the first 16 picks of the 2026 Draft:
1. Toronto Maple Leafs
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Vancouver Canucks
4. Chicago Blackhawks
5. New York Rangers
6. Calgary Flames
7. Seattle Kraken
8. Winnipeg Jets
9. Florida Panthers
10. Nashville Predators
11. St. Louis Blues
12. New Jersey Devils
13. New York Islanders
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit)
16. Washington Capitals
Mike, if you’re reading, which I hope you’re not — flip two to Vancouver for three and Hronek, draft Verhoeff or Reid and call it a summer, baby.
I was coming here to wonder if this is in play, too
Nice!
Doubt Vancouver goes for that, but I do like Hronek.
Take Stenberg and trade Eklund for Hronek. Vancouver drafts Hronek’s replacement.
Absent trades, the Sharks could have three lines which are all top 20 in the entire league. Depth does things …
Eklund for Hronek is the type of deal that bones you when Zach Werenski becomes available. You don’t trade your highest-value chip for a guy who isn’t a true #1. If Vancouver needs more, a pick or a B+ prospect should be plenty. There’s a consensus top two in this draft, the value of two will be massive.
The risk you take. Werenski may never come available. if he does, maybe you then part with Smith.
Stenberg + Hronek + Werenski in. Smith + Eklund out.
The blue line goes from disaster to near the best in the league. The forward group remains great with the Stenberg addition.
Not sure where Hronek ranks, but he’s easily a top pairing sort and probably somewhere around the top 25 d-men in the league
Quit trying to make “fetch” happen.
The village psychic/idiot predicts Smitty is in it for the long haul with SJS.
Since when did you start talking shit to me? Ok if that’s how you want to go. It’s pretty simple to see that Smith isn’t getting traded. He’s the franchise players best friend and he’s the 2nd most skilled player in the organization.
Pretty sure he’s referring to himself, not you.
Aw shit of course you’re right. Totally my bad. I have an excuse but I’m not divulging here. I will say I’m on a lot of painkillers.
I think it’s the village/psychic idiot that undervalues Smith. So,…..
Disregard my other comment, my bad.
My bad too. No painkillers just misreading
I should have known better. He/they have been nothing but deferential and humble. Hopefully they forgive the error.
It’s a hypothetical, dawg. A Werenski-caliber player will eventually become available, and it’s best to have not spent your best asset when that happens. The Canucks are in full teardown mode. They’re one of the few teams that would accept pure futures over an asset that helps them now, like Eklund. Why would Grier offer him up proactively? He’s probably outside their timeline, honestly. In general, folks around here want to trade way too much away now that the Sharks are in a position of strength. Nearly all of the defensemen being discussed have major trade protection, and will call… Read more »
Way over valuing a small non elite winger. I guess we’ll see what Eklund end up getting moved for over the next year. I’ll be shocked if he ever plays a playoff game for the Sharks.
That may be true, but your ability to objectively evaluate Eklund’s game is roughly in line with my ability to speak Icelandic, so I’ll stick with my gut.
No. Since I’m not an Ecky fanboy my opinion is far more objective. I’ve even praised him and defended him number of times this season. I like him and his effort and dedication but based on my 4 decades of watching playoff hockey, he and Ferraro alike, are not guys that you “need” to win a cup and are more likely a detriment to it. I guess we’ll see what happens this next year but I don’t believe Eklund will ever play a playoff game for the Sharks. ;P
So you think Eklund will be traded before the 2027 playoffs? I’ll take that action. Put your money where your pain killers are.
Spoken like a true Eky-Stan.😜 I really think he moves at the draft. Especially if they draft Stenberg.
Vancouver just traded for Rossi, age 24. Ohgren age 22 and Buium age 20.
Eklund is 23. He fits their timeline.
Whether they’d be willing to trade Hronek is the issue. He’s 28 — he’s the guy that doesn’t fit their timeline. But if Hronek is on the market, he’ll have choices and Vancouver will get good offers for him.
Not sure why people are so angry about this. There are way more insane things posted here almost every article.
My main point of disagreement with this scenario is an overreaction to “quick fix” the blue line at the price of long-term competitiveness.
More likely it’s #2 AND Eklund for #3 and Hronek.
That’s what I said. Moving up one spot isn’t going to get you a top-4 D, I wouldn’t think. Unless Van big brains this shit and thinks that Stenberg is the piece that gets Petterson to not suck
The drop off from two to three is significant in this draft. It will take a lot to move into the top two.
I’m not convinced. I think there’s still a chance a D goes 1OA. Wingers just don’t make great picks that high even if they’re more easily projectable unless they’re huge and have a ton of skill. These 2 both have big enough holes in their projectability to give pause.
That sounds a little more plausible.
If I were Rutherford, I would absolutely say no. Even by making the offer to trade down, you tip your hand.
Not worried about “tipping your hand” In the end, any trade is about two teams and each team seeing value in the deal. With Eklund for Hronek, the Sharks get better in an area of great need and that makes them a more serious contender. Sharks replace Eklund with a more talented winger in the draft. For the rebuilding Canucks, they get younger with a top line winger. And the draft a more talented d-man to pair with Buium for the long haul. From “what the team needs” perspective, it makes sense. There was no “trade down” in the scenario… Read more »
“Top line winger” is a huge stretch. We’re still talking about Eklund? No chance anyone outside the Sharks views him as a top line winger. Middle 6? Sure, on his good days with the right linemates.
In Vancouver, Eklund is a top line winger
In Vancouver, you’re a top line winger!
🤣 🤣 🤣
Yes, I should have clarified. I was agreeing with you. Offers to trade down is basically telling the other team you might pass on the obvious pick and reach down anyway.
Eklund for Hronek is a bit more plausible, although depending what other teams are in on it Sharks will probably need to add something else to the package.
Welp. Rutherford is out, so the new guy/girl will have to make that determination.
According to NHL.com, Rutherford will still handle the draft. Then he will step down.
He’s not handling anything aside from stepping to the podium one last time. The scouts will handle it, and likely the owner will be included, but that’s about it. Rutherford made some of the most bonehead decisions as “GM” so I don’t think ownership will allow him to affect their future more than he has already.
We can hope that he can be fleeced one more time.
The reason Rutherford says no, more than anything, is the emergence of Malhotra as a legit, worthy #3 pick. If the Sharks had gotten Schaefer last year, I think we would be clamoring for him at #2. But at #4 or #5, Chicago or NYR might be a lot more eager to move up and especially would like to jump Vancouver to take their guy. And if the Sharks determine they can live with 2 or 3 of these D-men, Calgary could be in play at #6 too. Grier will put in the work and I’m confident he’s going to… Read more »
Funny, because I was thinking the same thing but maybe package a F like Eklund as well because that spot drop doesn’t necessarily mean getting but not giving.
The possibilities are endless!
Stenberg welcome to San Jose!
sure as shit hope not. I have no interest in being the southern brand of the Leafs.
Trades exist. You’ve been talking about trading Eklund for a D for over a year now.
If they’re going to draft a player there I hope it’s not a winger. Don’t care how well he competes.
I’ve been trying to trade Eklund since Grier took over.😜
To be fair to Stenberg, I think he is made of much tougher stuff than Nylander, who is just soft
Nylander is a stud though.
He’s skilled, but soft. He’s the Will Smith that all the negative nancies are expecting him to become. Our Will Smith isn’t soft either, I’m just saying Nylander is not a comp for Stenberg
I dunno, from previous seasons I thought he was their best playoff performer. Soft isn’t how I would describe him. The guys who take hits to make plays are plenty tough IMO.
He is their best playoff performer. I personally wouldn’t say Nylander is soft. I would say he can be temperamental and inconsistent. He can disappear for stretches of 4 or 5 games. But he does usually show up for playoffs.
Ok Zeke, go nuts.
I’m pretty thrilled.
gotta admit, I appreciate the hockey karma of it all. Sharks tried to make the playoffs, played hard and honest. Even winning the last game when losing would have been advantageous.
Karma rewards the effort for not tanking.
Nice to see the franchise get some luck around this kind of stuff for a change. For decades it never worked out. Even last year they got fucked over.
Thats for sure. I hate these Draft Lottery’s and am not convinced the odds are even correct with these balls.
If you’ve ever watched the actual ball drop part of it you’d know it’s legit.
Or, you know, Gary Bettman rewarding the Sharks for not kicking up too much of a stink about Islanders getting it last year and conveniently solving Gary’s PR problem about cancelling the All-Star Game on Long Island. Nod nod wink wink.
And they just re-signed Patrick Giles, so Zeke is having a day.
I do like Giles. He and Regenda won me over because they go to the net front.
Definitely a longshot, but I think Giles might make a useful 3C when Wennberg moves to wing or after his deal ends. Lotta guys will have a shot at 3C. Ostapchuk, Bystedt, McKinney and maybe even Dellandrea. Smith could be moved there, too. Especially if Stenberg or McKenna comes to town.
Alas, Regenda’s not coming back.
I don’t think Giles has enough upside for 3c but if Chuckster goes 3c maybe Giles at 4c? Or more likely just organizational depth.
Giles at 3C is a longshot. I wouldn’t dismiss it completely. Sharks are not big down the middle (or at wing). Having Giles and Ostapchuk as 3C and 4C is size and snarl. Plus Giles does go to the net front and that’s not something the Sharks do well.
Giles at 3C would be an unmitigated disaster, he just doesn’t have the skill. He’s in his mid-20s and just signed a two-way deal.
Ok, so organizational depth for sure. I mean with Delly re-signed too that’s a lot of C in front of him.
And Delly already wins more than 50% of his faceoffs at the NHL level. Even if the offense is a little light, he wins in the dot which does matter and makes an impact over the course of a season.
I always believed that too but it seems like there are differing opinions based on the analytics.
Oh that’s hilarious! Good for him! Although he’s having a day of delusion with all this talk of Smith getting traded. Shit ain’t happening.
Take the surest thing, which is a forward. That’d be Stenberg, assuming its McKenna going 1st. Or, trade for a sure thing d-man by trading down or moving Smith and/or Eklund. For example, trade 2nd overall to Chicago for Alex Vlasic and the 4th overall. You get a legit d-man, 2 or 3 plus a d-man at 4 (Smits?). And later on, draft Ryan Lin. That means the organization will have added Lin, Pohlkamp, Smits and Vlasic from April to June. Without trading anyone. If Sharks get Stenberg (my preference based on what I’ve heard) and want to move Smith… Read more »
I think Chicago being at 4 and desperate for a forward could really play into the Sharks hands if they want to trade down. Not just for a potential Chicago trade but Vancouver if they want Stenberg would need to worry about that situation as well which could bring a trade down to 3 into play.
I’ve been hyping up Chase Reid all year but I’m with you if you are picking at 2 you need to take Stenberg and figure the rest out down the road.
I don’t think Smith will get traded. The friendship with Mack is too tight, whether we like it or not (I, for one, love it). If they take Stenberg or McKenna, I think Eklund would be the one traded for sure since he would be made redundant as the small top 6 winger. Eklund plus something for a major D piece, possibly.
Having said that, I love a scenario where they trade back a spot or 3 and get a major D piece in addition to a young future star D-man
Smith is close to untouchable, but not quite. You only move him for a proven, elite piece in an area of need. Which means a Norris-level d-man. Seider also comes to mind as a guy who might shake loose. Maybe Fox?
I’d do Smith for Seider or Werenski. For Fox, I’d expect something extra in return in addition to Fox.
I would be shocked and bummed if Smitty got traded. It’s too early in his career and I think he has more to offer in the coming years.
Sorry, Smith is not going anywhere for anyone. Full stop.
Smith is an ELITE forward. The fanbase would absolutely torch & pitchfork GMMG right out of town if he even contemplated the thought of trading WSH.
Smithisn’t an elite forward. He’s a good winger on the wing of an elite player
He isn’t an elite winger yet. But I think he might become one. That’s why I’d be very reluctant to part with him – even beyond the personal and on-ice chemistry with Macklin.
lol! ok…
Nope, not close, he IS untouchable. Maybe if we’re talking Makar level? Other than that he’s staying until they see what his final form is. Up to now it’s been a teenager with a hockey Savant brain out there. We’ll see what he looks like in a man’s body. If he doesn’t live up the expectations at that point, then sure I could see him getting traded.
Gotta give to get.
To get an elite d-man, you’re giving up something very meaningful. Smith is that.
If Sharks get Stenberg, they have a winger who is Smith-level or better. But the hole on ‘d’ remains.
Seider for Smith is a good deal for the Sharks — and maybe for DET.
You’re making suggestions like you’re on an Xbox. Smith is untouchable likely for the next couple seasons minimum. Maybe if Smith sleeps with Celes girlfriend? Short that it’s not happening.
Who is your comp for smith around the league right now? What are you basing your value for him off?
Smith is headed to be a top-tier forward. Top 20-ish in the league in the years ahead. Short of elite.
To date, he’s proven some things. But when he hasn’t been with Macklin, it hasn’t been great.
Not what I asked
Your question is dumb though and frankly irrelevant. He’s still a young underdeveloped prospect. Who’s my comparison? Play style is poor mans Kucherov. Name another current player that slows the game down and makes elite passes or beat goalies clean with no screen with his elite shot? Go ahead and pick someone who isn’t great on their skates I guess but I think this is something that improves dramatically as he fills out into his man body. Let’s be real, your evaluation of him has been horse shit from day one.
you asked what I base my value of Smith on. I gave that answer.
He wants an answer with a narrow window of parameters so he can shit on him for not being yet what he projects to be.
You don’t think it’s bad for culture to put who’s friends with who over the team?
Nope. A close team wins.
We’re talking about two players here.
I’ve watched one player change the culture and complexion of an NHL locker room literally overnight, firsthand.
Curious about who this is
His name rhymes with fackbrin regetini
Aaron Ward arriving in Boston at the 07 trade deadline. It was amazing to see.
What kind of access did you have that lead you to this thinking?
Yup. Without a doubt. And that’s true at every level, even beer league.
Not happening.
its not happening because nobody would trade the best all around defenseman in the league for will smith. What player in the league right now would you comp smith to, right now not tomorrow or when he gets bigger or goes through puberty, right now.
Doesn’t work like that. You have to comp his potential because of his age and the fact he’s played less than 2 seasons in the NHL.
a Makar deal he would obviously be one piece not a 1 for 1. Cmon man, keep up.😜
Stenberg or Mckenna come in
No thank you.
Anybody think we should try n grab owen power, buffalos 1st and maybe another prospect for 2nd OA, regenda n colorados 2nd?
Regenda is no longer Sharks property. He’s a UFA.
I think he’s still with the Sharks. UFA on July 1 unless its different for group 6.
Though I can’t imagine he stays.
Hopefully he does and he works on his lead feet. Plyometric summer!
I’m in the Discord chat right now, and it’s dope to live chat with the podcast
Glad you enjoyed it!
fwiw, I think the Sharks chances at getting Raddysh in free agency just took a nice jump.
Splain further.
Sharks, assuming they draft 2nd overall and take a forward, can now push harder for Raddysh as they can’t count on a d-man in the draft hitting soon but can afford to pay up even more for Raddysh. Plus, San Jose looks like an even better destination today than it did yesterday.
I don’t see how the draft is going to affect that. None of these guys are expected to play right away, correct?
Stenberg would probably play right away. He just put up .77 pts/gm in the second best league in the world. Reid could play a year of college then turn pro.
Ok why would that affect Raddyshs UFA decision? Money and winning are the biggest factors IMO.
Sharks have the cap to pay up and they can become a Cup contender as soon as next season.
I agree with that part. Just don’t think the draft lottery affects them signing Raddyish.
I never said it would. You asked if any of the guys were expected to play right away and I answered your question. You don’t need to be so combative dude.
Don’t be such a wuss, I’m just asking a question, not being combative.
I think you couple the fact that Tampa might be going in a different direction with their 4th straight 1st round loss and the Sharks are getting another premium piece, the Sharks are suddenly looking pretty enticing for any UFA. There aren’t that many of them, but still…
Right but the Sharks are that whether they pick 2 or 9. Just trying to understand why Zeke thinks the lotto outcome affects the teams ability to sign Raddysh.
I agree they were exciting either way, but if maybe you had questions about it and that slight hesitation might guide a player to do something safer, this could be that final piece that tips the scale and says go for it. No idea, I’m just feeling good right now. Everything is awesome
🥴 😜 🤣
Ok I got one for you… Use that 2OA in a sign and trade for Quinn Hughes assuming he won’t sign with the Wild and that he will want to hitch his wagon to his buddy Macklin. If we’re going to swing, swing for the fences. Does the dude want to win a cup or play with his brothers? Can’t have both. ;P
Hughes isn’t a UFA until after next year
Right but he can re-sign July 1st. My bad so it would have to be a draft day trade with the expectation that he resigns this July 1st with the Sharks. Same outcome just signing a few days later than what I said initially.
My guess is Hughes isn’t about to become available though, but if he’s in play, and let’s say it’s something like Eklund and #2 for Hughes, I think we have to be in on that
You never know if he’ll get traded again. Especially if the Avs sweep them. It would obviously be more. He went for the equivalent of 4x 1sts right? First I would trade down from 2 to 3-6 range and get another asset. Either another 1st or a defender that can play now. Then move that high pick with Ek & Bystedt or Musty or Shak. 3 should do it with a pick that high.
If Quinn were to sign on the dotted line on draft night, or at least the deal is agreed to by July 1, I would pay 2 plus Eklund plus Musty. I would first try to get another 1st plus from Chicago or NYR and then make that deal though… Another thing is the team might even wait to see if Sundin takes Stenberg, and maybe the pick becomes that much more valuable if it’s McKenna. If that doesn’t happen, I think Minnesota would be pretty keen on filling that 2C role they’ve been trying so hard to fill with… Read more »
Might have to include a D. Maybe Shak? maybe Cags or Polkamp plus? A pipe dream but at least there’s some basis in reality for it. At that point Sharks have their 1C, 1D, 1&2W, 2C, 3C. Maybe still grab Hamilton and/or sign Raddysh too or maybe Anderson and compete.
It’s Galaxy Braining time! TML picks Stenberg at #1. Mats Sundin will pick his countryman. That leaves McKenna & all the D-men available at #2. Since SJS already has their quota of small skilled forwards, they will pass on McKenna which leaves Reid (rs), Carels (ls), Smits (ls) & Verhoeff (rs) to choose from. This is the most beautiful of choices. Which of these 4 D men would GMMG select? Which one would you choose? Would you pick McKenna anyway? I’m liking Reid, Smits, Carels & Verhoeff in that order, so I guess I’d pick Reid. Jumbo will like the… Read more »
I would trade down and try to pick up another veteran defenseman as Joseph suggested even if it’s not Hronik. I have yet to see a scout say that any of these defenseman are sure fire first pair D.
A trade partner could be the NYR. Seen it proposed the NYR #5 pick, DAL 26′ 1st (probably #24 to #28)& RD Schnieder for #2.
At #5, still have a shot at one of the top 4 D & Schnieder is in need of a change of scenery. At #24-28 SJS could reach for their preferred player, mine would be RD Adam Goljer.
That being said, not really sold on this particular trade proposal, but like GMMG I’m willing to listen…
That’s really interesting! Sharks still have 3 1sts (NYR, Dal, Edm) AND Schneider? They can still trade a 1st for a more veteran defender AND pick up 2 defensemen in the draft. And if Hamilton is the guy they pick up the cost is more likely a 2nd and a prospect maybe? I’m not sure they have to give up a 1st for Hamilton.
Pretty much every team directly behind the Sharks in the draft order — including some that fell and really couldn’t afford to — have an asset the Sharks would like to acquire and significant incentive to move up. In Vancouver, there’s Hronek. In Chicago, a number of options — Vlasic, Rinzel, Korchinski. The Rangers have Fox, whose value will be artificially low thanks to his trade protection and whose GM has a close personal relationship with Grier. Calgary doesn’t have much to offer beyond Whitecloud, who isn’t high-tier enough to get the deal done, but Seattle has Dunn, Winnipeg has… Read more »
I don’t know those players games intimately enough to decide but younger would be better IMO. Then you can throw the bank at Anderson or Raddyish, re-sign Deharnais and be done.
Sticking to your scenario, and having to make pick 2: I still Like KV, he went college route vs older players, college hockey is getting really good, he is still 17 until June 19!!!, 6’4’ 214ish like I know he dropped down some rankings- think was the path he took ncaa as a 17yr old, i read a really good article about his college tenure being more growth and “ NHL ready” than statingnin Jr and racking up points! Smits or Reid is fine to, not deep enough into prospecting yet to decide,but smits is a wrecking ball…like what have… Read more »
In my limited viewings I’ve really liked KV also. Can’t teach size and he seems to have very good skill.
The Hockey Gods have looked upon the Sharks today, and have granted us a joyous gift today.
Praise be onto them.
So, I’m creating a new term: Levshunov’d. The top rated d-man in a draft who isn’t panning out as quickly as hoped and may not prove worthy of 2nd overall. May not be the top d-man in his draft class. Drafting d-men at the very top of the draft is a higher risk choice compared to a winger. With the 2nd overall pick, its a risk the Sharks don’t need to take. So take the forward and trade for a proven solution on defense. Stenberg or McKenna will free up Eklund and/or Smith for trade and get a good-to-elite proven… Read more »
Dude!!!, your energy is awesome
For the record, Dickinson will be the best Dman in that class. I’m staking every ounce of credibility on that. And I was on record saying Celebrini would be better than Bedard. I wasn’t close to how good he would actually be, I just liked the 2 way game. I was wrong about Will Smith over Michkov, so not saying I’m always right or anything
So, I’m creating a new term: Levshunov’d.
Ha! You might have invented something. It’s early of course
It really is early — though the history of the first d-man off the board is kinda checkered. Lotta times, teams get it right. Lotta times, they don’t
In 2015, it went Hanafin at 5, Provorov at 7. Reasonable picks. Werenski went at 8.
In 2016, Olli Juolevi went at 5. Next up, Segachev went at 9. Jake Bean at 13, McAvoy at 14
In 2019, Byram went at 4, Seider at 6
In 2022, Nemec went at 2, Jiricek at 6, Korchinski at 7 … and Lane Hutson at 62.
No reason to risk getting Levshunov’d
Last year, Schaefer was the first D man off the board which balances out the entire history. He’s freaking incredible. But seriously, I think your point is that there are 3-5 guys who could possibly be the best this year and it’s very hard to know. In the hypothetical that the team decides they are happy with all 5 D-men, they could trade as low as #8 and get a guy they love. And they could just take their favorite offer from one of 5 teams between 4 and 8 and hell let’s add Vancouver and make it 6 teams… Read more »
I’m not sure this is a new concept or needs a new word, it is essentially when you start drafting for need too early. The sharks are not one player away, they should not start drafting for need. Take your best player, whoever that is. If it’s Reid, awesome the d core gets a ton of love including a long term possible solution at PP1. If it’s Stenberg or McKenna, you trade from a position of strength to bolster the d core. Every other team has the same thin FA problem, rising cap problem. Giving to get is the new… Read more »
I think it’s already called the Alexander Daigle…
Hm, I don’t want to get Riihijarvi’d, Jillson’d, or Wisharted. Hell not even Zyuzin’d. Still for me the ideal scenario is a trade down out of the tier 1, extract some assets and go after one of the tier 2 D. if the org is high on one of them. GMMG has to extract the value gap from tier 1 to tier 2 and then draft for position. When if not now does it make sense to draft for position. If he can’t get the value difference payed, sure he has to take the one who is left from McKenna… Read more »
Zyuzin had some good games and scored a playoff OT winner. Wasn’t that bad to be included with a bunch of those other misses.
and no, you never draft for position unless maybe in round 7.
Still Zyuzin was a second overall. I liked him. It was still under Sutter when I recall correctly. And Lombardi drafted him. If Grier somehow selects Reid, and he has a carrier like Zyuzin, I would be disappointed.
Yes always take the best player, only if you value two the same you should select by position. But you can trade down. At the new draft position you can still take the best player. Has not too much to do whether you get to that pick by lottery, trade or whatever.
Stop galaxy braining it, just take Reid and be happy. Or if VAN wants to throw in some sweetener to trade down, that’s fine. Either way, Reid is the easiest answer.
All of these hypotheticals about trading Smith and Eklund or whoever…this would absolutely torch morale. I don’t think Macklin will consider an 8 yr deal, but trading off his bestie guarantees he milks SJ for max AAV on min term, perhaps multiple times. And he’d be right to do so!
It’s the draft, only one time has the answer been easy.
If Sharks take Stenberg instead of flipping the #2 pick to VAN for Hronek, and their 3rd overall pick, at least Stenberg appears to be an upgrade to Eklund’s potential if the Sharks trade Eckie as part of a package for another blueliner. Reid seems like another Dickinson, which may or may not pan out in the future and seems somewhat more of a risk at #2. Stenberg’s ceiling appears more solid already going against men in the Swedish elite league and putting up the numbers in his draft year. Scott Wheeler’s take on Stenberg noted “…When Stenberg departed Gothenburg… Read more »
How do you win the Draft lottery and end up picking 2nd? I didn’t watch the draft and heard they got 2nd which is great but they didn’t win the lottery. The Islanders won it last yr and the stole the #1 pick form the Sharks so the Sharks deserve it.
You move up seven spots from your actual finish, that’s for sure winning the Lottery, even if it’s not No. 1.
Don’t believe me? Sportsnet used the same terminology:
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/san-jose-sharks-win-no-2-pick-in-nhl-draft-after-lottery/
I really enjoy reading all the opinions and hypothetical trade scenarios. Here’s the part that just stuns me when I think about it. If they do nothing with another organization and just draft best players as well as add best available talent in free agency, the Sharks are still going to be an incredibly talented team for so many years to come. I will add my two cents: draft Stenberg, sign Raddysh and then let’s freaking GO! I still think Cagnoni and Pohlkamp round out the defense group with Orlov, Mukh and Sam Dickinson although Pohlkamp may start with the… Read more »
My guess is Stenberg is available at 2. He’s a brilliant player. You wanna move off him? That deal better be really sweet. Don’t look the gift horse in the mouth.
It’s funny. The Sharks were so much better this year that I have watched almost no video of any of these prospects assuming the team won’t get any of them. I have a LOT of youtubing to do and I cannot wait. This is found money. We had a really fun season and we get the same pick as when we were absolutely atrocious. What a world!
You’ll love watching him!
I’m not sure Toronto takes McKenna. I guess they could go D? If I had to bet real money I think they take Stenberg. I’ll defer to your expertise though on the prospects though. Actually, I could see the Leafs trading the pick for immediate help for that team since they’re not rebuilding.
I think they will, but, who knows? Stenberg is such a special player. We can still build our blueline with a trade and the top FA.
An exciting off season just got more exciting. So crazy…
Their new GM is one of those smarter than everyone guys who galaxy brains everything. They are going to be in the mushy middle for the rest of his short-ass tenure if they do that.
On the other side, Mats Sundin does not appear to be a very bright bulb, so I’m not sure what he’s bringing to the table either
Mats Sundin is the pizza party when your company announces job cuts and no one will get a bonus this year. He is a beloved franchise star and former captain, but has no NHL front office experience and has a vague job title. I think it’s to soften the bad news for the fans.
So he is the Buster Posey of the Leafs? I named my dog Posey, so that means I could never stay mad at the Giants now. They know me so well. This will totally work, I’ve got a great feeling about this.
Yes, exactly like Buster Posey.
I think the rapid rise of Celebrini and Schaefer has gotten a lot of GMs thinking the 1st overall pick is immediate help. Even Connor Bedard, who may has not been as high impact as the hype predicted, is actually very good for his age. He just can’t drag Chicago as far as Celebrini is dragging this team along.
My only question: When is Stenberg moving in with the Wennbergs?
Trade #2 to Calgary for #6 and Zach Whitecloud. Whitecloud runs 30 to 33 for the rest of the contract catching him at the tail end of his peak with one declining year. This is a good bridge defenseman. Calgary’s both crunched on cap and roster spots. Perhaps there’s a second defenseman to be added on their side for a prospect on our side. No trade protections on Whitecloud. Trade #2, 2026 4th rounder, Rights to Kurashev, and a Prospect to New York for #5 and Adam Fox Fox runs 28 to 33 and should get him for the remainder… Read more »
Zach whitecloud is objectively not good enough to warrant dropping 4 spots down for.
Yeah, I think there’s a better deal than this out there…
I would want more than a player like Whitecloud. That jump is definitely worth more. I love the creativity though. Just rework that?
the 2nd one, Kurashevs rights aren’t worth anything. Not sure how that value works out but something along those lines is good. I’m still thinking Grier is more patient than this. If he moves 2OA it’ll be for someone younger.