San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen enjoyed a successful season with the London Knights, but could he make the opening night roster when he turns pro this season?
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The 2023 second-round pick scored 32 goals in 57 regular-season OHL games. He took his game to another level during the OHL Playoffs, scoring 17 goals in 18 games.
The goals are excellent, but for Halttunen to make the opening night roster, he needs to continue to improve his skating and round out the rest of his game.
Sharks 2024 first-round pick Sam Dickison, who played with Halttunen in London, said the winger’s shot is one of the best he’s ever seen.
“The eye-popping thing with him is the shot. It’s the best shot that I’ve ever seen. The best shot that I’ve ever had to defend against,” Dickinson told reporters after he was drafted. “There’s no real way to stop it. When he gets it off, you just got to start praying.”
The Sharks need someone to put the puck in the net. Last season, San Jose finished 31st in the league with 181 goals. For Haltunnen to have a chance at the roster, he must prove to Ryan Warsofsky and the front office that there is more to his game than scoring.
In his 18 playoff games with London, Haltunnen was plus eight. That is encouraging, but as much as he scored, much of it was on the man advantage. His shot is terrifying, which might even be enough to see him feature in a few NHL games this season. Even No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini was happy to be on his side.
So, will Halttunen make the opening night roster? It is unlikely, but given that he’s signed his ELC, Haltunnen projects to be a top contributor for the San Jose Barracuda next season and could make his NHL debut if injuries go haywire again.
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