San Jose Sharks’ Collin Graf Faces Uncertainty Heading into Training Camp – The Hockey Writers – Sharks Prospects

The additions to the San Jose Sharks’ lineup over the summer have forced some difficult decisions for new head coach Ryan Warsofsky heading into the 2024-25 season. Among those decisions will be where Collin Graf starts the season, whether that’s in the NHL or with the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. 

Graf: An Advantage No More

Reportedly, a big part of the reason that the Sharks were able to sign Graf as an undrafted free agent was his desire to play in the NHL right out of the gate. He accomplished that feat last season, appearing in seven games with the Sharks at the end of the season. Heading into the summer, it seemed as if that would remain the case for the 2024-25 season. Graf has the ability to play both center and right-wing, which is certainly an advantage for a player trying to crack a lineup. With that being said though, the Sharks added players who can play every forward position which is going to force some young players off of the opening night roster.

Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg are undoubtedly going to be in the lineup when the Sharks take the ice against the St. Louis Blues on opening night, which is Oct. 10. Carl Grundstrom, Barclay Goodrow, and Ty Dellandrea aren’t necessarily guaranteed a spot, but it’s highly likely they’re in the lineup as well. The addition of five NHL-caliber forwards was a worst-case scenario for a player like Graf. Despite his opportunity in the NHL last season, he’s likely to be on his way to the AHL this October. 

There are definite benefits to a player like Graf spending time in the AHL, as he still has to adjust to the intense travel schedule and physicality of the professional game. He’d also get considerably more ice time with the Barracuda than he would with the Sharks. Although all the fame and glamor in the hockey world is in the NHL, there’s certainly nothing wrong with a player spending time in the AHL as they get ready to make the next step fully. 

The Case for the NHL

Despite the fact that Graf is unlikely to be starting the season on the NHL roster, a case can certainly be made for him belonging there. He didn’t look out of place during his seven-game stint in teal. With that being said, he wasn’t a massive game-changer either, but he was an effective player for a struggling Sharks team. Undrafted free agents…