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San Jose Sharks on The Hockey News
Five Sharks Rookies Who Could Make Their NHL Debut In 24-25 Not Named Celebrini Or Smith
By Max Miller,
2024-07-12
The San Jose Sharks will have a few NHL debuts to start the season in Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, but what other prospects could make their debut this season?
Filip Bystedt
Bystedt was the first selection of the Mike Grier era and made his way to North America at the end of last season. Bystedt played eight games for the San Jose Barracuda last season and scored seven points. He scored two goals on his AHL debut.
The 20-year-old is on a similar development timeline to William Eklund. Taking away Eklunds first nine games in 2021-22, Eklund played in the AHL for most of a season before returning to the NHL in 22-23. Bystedt could be one of the first call-ups from the AHL this season if he shows the same offensive ability he flashed at the end of last season.
Ethan Cardwell
Cardwell was the Barracuda's rookie of the year last season after he scored 23 goals in 71 games. The hardworking winger can get under the opponents' skin and create offense through a grinding style of play.
The 2021 4th-round pick has played in the OHL and the AHL and could play in the NHL this season if he continues to prove himself a top contributor.
Quentin Musty
Like Eklund in 2021-22, Musty could play some games in the NHL to start the season before GM Mike Grier decides whether to keep him or send him back to the OHL. Musty was the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft and has been extremely noticeable every time he skates with the Sharks at development camp or NHL training camp.
The Buffalo native told reporters he moved his training to Toronto to make the team out of training camp. If he doesn't make the team, Musty is not eligible to play in the AHL due to his age. If he is sent back to the Sudbury Wolves, he will play the 23-24 season there.
Russell is an underrated prospect in the Sharks system. After dealing with injuries throughout the last two seasons, Russell finally got consistent ice time in the ECHL last season. In 35 games, he scored nine goals and 13 assists for the Wichita Thunder.
Russell is a speedy forward with good hands and an above-average wrist shot.
Russell will need to raise eyebrows and stay with the Barracuda this season, but if he starts to show some scoring as he did in the OHL, with 88 points in 2021-22, then the Sharks could be forced to give him a look in the NHL.
David Edstrom
Edstrom was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights as the key piece in the Tomas Hertl trade. Edstrom is another big-body Swedish centerman who is responsible in his own end.
Edstrom could start the season back in Sweden but could jump to the NHL or AHL, similar to Bystedt last season.
Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith project to make the NHL right out of training camp, but San Jose could have many more NHL debuts than those two.
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