San Jose Sharks prospect Collin Graf should be the next player to be called up to the NHL.
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After not making the NHL roster out of training camp, Graf has shot out of the gate firing with the San Jose Barracuda. The winger has nine points in six games (two goals, seven assists), which leads the team.
Graf gained weight this summer, and his ability to protect a puck proves his work during the offseason is paying off. His edgework has always been an elite skill; mix that with more strength with the puck and good hands, and you get an elite offensive player. Graf’s hockey IQ has always been his best skill on top of everything else.
The Sharks are in desperate need of secondary scoring. With Macklin Celebrini out of the lineup and Will Smith still finding his way, Graf could be an excellent addition to the lineup, as he already has some NHL experience.
Givani Smith has played in one game this season with 7:47 TOI. Klim Kostin, who finished last season as a solid secondary scoring option this season, hasn’t lived up to that expectation. He’s played in six games this season and averages 8:45 TOI.
For Graf to get called up, San Jose must reduce its roster by one, and both Givani Smith and Kostin are waiver-eligible. If one of the two players is waived, the 31 other NHL teams will have 24 hours to submit a claim, and if they do, the Sharks will lose out on a player for nothing in return.
Collin Graf (Quinnipiac) of San Jose with 2-7-9 and Justin Hryckowian (Northeastern) of Texas with 3-5-8, both in six games, are leading rookie scorers in AHL
Seven of top 10 rookies are former NCAA players
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) October 28, 2024
Should Graf be in the NHL when Celebrini eventually returns from IR, another roster spot will need to be created, making a move to keep Graf even harder, given Graf isn’t waiver-eligible.
The ‘Cuda have quickly become a top-three team in the AHL with a record of 5-1. Graf is playing top-line minutes and contributing like a top-line player should. If Graf gets the call to the NHL, the question must be asked: is playing in the NHL better for his development?
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