SJHN Daily: Eklund, Kunin, Okhotiuk, Makiniemi Will Be Ready for Camp

Mike Grier shared that key San Jose Sharks youngsters should be ready for training camp.

The general manager recently sat down with radio broadcasting legend Dan Rusanowsky and discussed his mindset entering the NHL Draft, offseason, and eventually the 2023-24 season.

First, top prospect William Eklund, whose season was cut short by this shoulder injury.

SJHN Daily: Eklund Leaves Game With Injury, NCAA Tourney Starts Today

“Eklund is doing well in his rehab,” shared Grier. “He’ll be ready for training camp, which is good. He should be able to hopefully have a somewhat normal schedule as far as strength training goes for him.”

“Nikita, the same, his surgery went well,” Grier continued on Nikita Okhotiuk. “He’s already beginning his off-ice workouts.” The Russian defenseman was out injured upon his arrival to San Jose and underwent successful core muscle surgery in early April.

Grier then pivoted to Luke Kunin, who had five goals and 13 points in 31 games before a torn ACL would end his debut season in San Jose.

“[Kunin] was back here towards the end of the season, starting his rehab,” he revealed. “You could tell, just [from] walking around that he wanted to get back out there with the guys. You couldn’t even tell he had just had ACL surgery.”

VIDEO: Kunin Out for Year, Quinn & Hertl Talk About His ACL Surgery

The general manager also touched on Eetu Makiniemi, who missed the conclusion of the San Jose Barracuda’s season with a lower-body. Grier shared the goalie is “doing well too.”

SOURCE: Expect Makiniemi Back With Sharks

Grier finished: “They all should be ready for camp and have fairly normal summers as far as training goes.”

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Mike Grier discusses the fourth overall pick, a potential Erik Karlsson trade, and more.

After winning the Norris Trophy, Erik Karlsson reflected on the success and awards he’s earned this season.

The Sharks make two trades, including one for goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood.

A roadmap of the San Jose Sharks‘ upcoming offseason.

The podcast is back! Check out the first episode of the SJHN Podcast with San Jose Sharks‘ Director of Player Devlopment, Todd Marchant.

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

We’re in! 😎#BayAreaUnite https://t.co/cqRO1Z6rvC

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 28, 2023

⏰ THE 2023 NHL ENTRY DRAFT IS JUST HOURS AWAY!

Join voice of the #SJBarracuda @NickNollen as he sits down with #SJSharks Assistant General Manager/Barracuda GM Joe Will to talk about the 2023 Draft in Nashville.

👀: https://t.co/hmAEUopubN
🎧: https://t.co/fivNPDEVuG pic.twitter.com/6Hjbu9OmMF

— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) June 28, 2023

Fear the Fin mentions Oliver Bonk as a late first-round option for the Sharks.

Sharks Unveil 2023-24 Schedule

Max Miller argues for Matvei Michkov at fourth-overall in a recent mock draft.

AROUND THE NHL…

The Boston Bruins traded Taylor Hall away in a salary dump.

Connor Bedard picks up another award heading into the NHL Draft.

Torey Krug exercised his no-trade clause and was not sent to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Los Angeles Kings will see major roster shifts after acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois.

NHL is planning a 16-game night on October 24 with staggered start times going from 6pm to 11pm, each game starting 15-30 minutes apart. pic.twitter.com/5IOSnnVVFn

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 27, 2023

The Chicago Blackhawks will have Nick Foligno as center depth under Bedard.

Tyler Toffoli was dealt to the New Jersey Devils.

Brad Treliving says he can join the #leafs personnel at the draft table once Calgary has made their selection with the 16th pick on Wednesday night.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 27, 2023

The Montreal Canadiens pay a premium for Alex Newhook.

Kevin Weekes says a few teams are interested in Logan Thompson.