While facing rebuild challenges, the San Jose Sharks have seen promising performances from young prospects and rookies. On their respective teams, these emerging players have shown great promise and potential. As the team rebuilds, these prospects could be pivotal in shaping a competitive future for the franchise.
Will Smith – Boston College Eagles
Drafted fourth overall in 2023, centerman Will Smith led Boston College with 67 points in 37 games during the season. With 23 goals and 44 assists, the six-foot forward averaged 1.8 points per game in 2023-24. Smith’s standout season had him ranked first in NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey points ranking.
In his last five games, the 19-year-old forward logged 13 points with six goals and seven assists.
The 2023-24 season also saw Smith play for the World Juniors Championship Under 20 (U20). There, the prospect earned nine points in seven games with four goals and five assists. The centerman also secured gold at the 2024 World Juniors while representing Team USA.
Danil Gushchin – San Jose Barracuda
Selected by the Sharks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Gushchin made his debut with the Sharks in 2022-23. In two games, he tallied a goal and an assist before transitioning to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the Barracuda. In 2023-24, Gushchin played another two, adding to the Sharks’ offense with an assist.
With the Barracuda, the forward has recorded impressive stats, tallying 43 points in 48 games (15 goals, 28 assists).
In the season prior, the 22-year-old logged 45 points in 67 games with 22 goals and 23 assists.
The rookie’s recent season showcased impressive numbers, indicating a clear trajectory in his performance and potential for further growth. Gushchin, a promising prospect, could bolster the Sharks’ offense with an extended tenure in the upcoming season.
Luca Cagnoni – Portland Winterhawks
This season, Cagnoni emerged as a standout WHL defenseman, becoming the first in three decades to reach the 90-point milestone. The defenseman’s impressive tally of 18 goals and whopping 73 assists earned him recognition as Sharks’ prospect of the week.
Standing at five foot nine, Cagnoni’s exceptional abilities challenge conventional expectations for a defenseman. In his last five games, the 19-year-old prospect logged three goals and eight assists. With the ability to set up scoring opportunities, he demonstrates his value as an offensive defenseman for his team.
Cagnoni is currently with the Portland Winterhawks, contributing his dedicated skills to their postseason playoff campaign.
In the future, the Sharks franchise could greatly benefit from his playmaking skills and offensive contributions on the ice.
Quentin Musty – Sudbury Wolves
In June, left winger Quentin Musty was selected 26th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
With an impressive 30 points in 11 games, Musty surpassed 100 points and earned OHL Player of the Month honors. Musty notched 102 points in 53 games with the Sudbury Wolves, averaging 1.9 points per game throughout the season.
Despite standing at six foot two, his growing development showcases his versatility and potential on and off the ice.
Musty’s visionary playmaking shines through his precise tape-to-tape passes, connecting teammates and creating scoring opportunities on the ice.
Ranked third in OHL scoring, Musty’s consistent offensive production shows his impact and potential on a professional level. At 18, his promising trajectory towards NHL success continues with positive trends, fueled by ongoing development and commitment.
In a Sharks rebuild for the foreseeable future, these players represent just a glimpse of the potential core components ahead.
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Featured images courtesy of San Jose Barracuda on sjbarracuda.com and San Jose Sharks on NHL.com
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