San Jose Sharks
Grier Happy With No. 4 Pick, Talks Michkov, Carlsson, Smith (+)

If San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier was disappointed to not get the first-overall pick in the Draft lottery, he didn’t show it.
Instead, the Chicago Blackhawks won No. 1 and the opportunity to select consensus top prospect Connor Bedard. The Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets followed, and the San Jose Sharks received the fourth pick.
At least the Sharks, fourth-worst record in the NHL, didn’t drop in the Draft.
And they’ll have a wealth of Grade-A prospects to choose from at No. 4, most likely Leo Carlsson, Matvei Michkov, or Will Smith.
Grier spoke on each of those prospects in his post-Draft lottery availability, disclosing his personal relationship with Smith, if the Sharks will avoid Michkov because he likely wouldn’t be able to come to North America until 2026, and what stands out about Carlsson’s game.
He also touched on how interested he might be in trading up or down from No. 4, Filip Bystedt and Ben Gaudreau’s possible entry-level contracts, and more in this mostly-complete transcript of Grier’s availability.