So one thing to note immediately is that Graf and Toff are both right wingers. So it is unlikely they play together.
Edit: Kurashev and Eklund are also both left wingers. Assuming Misa joins, I think a to 6 could look like: Eki, Celebrini, Toff – Wenburg/Misa, Smith, Graf (i know it’s way too young of a line) – and cherni, Wenburg/Misa, and Gaudette.
Great video. Would you be willing to underline the player you are about to speak about on the whiteboard as you move through them? You say the name once and then it's he, him, a player like, ect. I find it easy to get lost as to whom you are referencing at times. Also you speak very quickly for my ancient ears. Thank you for your consideration
i think they'll let Chernyshov play in the AHL a bit before bringing him into the shit show and either Misa makes it or they trade for a top 9 forward.
Ethan Cardwell in my eyes can replace Grundstrom, Dellandrea and Goodrow. He’s younger, has a higher ceiling and is just flat out a competitor. He was very impressive to see in person. I’m hoping guys like him can not only crack the roster, but make a big enough impression on the front office and coaching staff that they can’t send them back down. Very excited for next season to start!
As a Sharks fan since 1991 i just wanted to add RIP to former Shark Lyndon Byers who passed away a few days ago he definitely was a old school enforcer and we pray for his family.
If Misa makes it I think he needs to play with Chernyshov. My absolutely insane take on the top 6 is Toffoli – Celebrini – Smith Eklund – Misa – Chernyshov
Is this reasonable? Probably not. But I wants it. I waaaants it.
Listening to interviews/coaches/analysts I think Misa makes the roster and gets the will smith treatment, that’s what it looks like all parties are leaning. And let’s be honest, besides getting lit up, Hes not in danger of making this team worst than the last two years.
I’d put money on an ELC and we get a Misa in the starting line, not to mention the ticket sales
Hey Professor, This video brings into stark contrast just how much distance we have to go. I feel like we are about 2 years away from a whole raft of prospects fighting legitimately for roster spots and then Mike Grier will get his wish of fierce competition to win a spot on the roster (iron sharpens iron kind of thing). I am totally with you about Misa. Misa has a bright future but, I think giving him a year to compete against older players in the NCAA and working out with the conditioning coaches would really help him. I worry about exposing our young talent to the dangers of playing in the NHL. I don't want to see any of them get a knee on knee or concussion from a dirty hit.
I do agree with Gooshin if he is willing to sign. I would prefer to see him on that third line and given a long leash. Gooshin has earned it. I realize that Grier is not going to give ANY players a roster spot because they have done their time like a good soldier in the AHL and I would guess this is probably why Gooshin has not signed yet. I imagine the Sharks are offering him a 2 way contract and I think he doesn't want to shuttle back and forth anymore. it has to be tough for young skilled players like Gooshin to watch the likes of Grundstrom, Goodrow and Delandria while they are healthy scratches or in the AHL.
Best case scenario Gooshin signs, joins the 3rd line and then gets moved up to the 2nd line and Graff or the other guy moves down? I think Gooshin is capable of being a decent NHLer with a lot to learn if he is given the chance. It's tough to be successful if your playing with players with little to no skill or finishing ability. It's also tough when you only get one game and then you are a healthy scratch or relegated to the 4th line and 5 minutes a night. That's like being sent to the Russian front in WW II…pretty much a death sentence.
I am wondering Professor how you feel about the chances of the Sharks winning the Byrum sweepstakes from Buffalo? I think if we offered Ferraro, our 2nd 1st in the upcoming draft and possibly a sweetener like a 4th or 5th round pick if necessary might be fair value for him? Byrum fits our needs well and our timeline.
The young guys are still really young. In some cases, really, really young!! Gotta think Misa is bound for the NCAA. Good growth environment. Guessing Chernyshov is in the AHL. Expect several players will get some NHL games, Cheryshov included, but also Lund and Afanasyev, who is a bit older and played in men's leagues.
I do hope Giles gets the 4C role over Ostapchuk because he's just better. Might bump Ostapchuk to wing? I do like Graf getting a bigger role.
I don't think the Sharks in the market for another Zetterlund. Someone that got outscored by Gaudette in Ottawa, tanked possession metrics on all of his most common linemates and brought nothing to special teams.
In a trade of Ferraro for a top six winger, what else would the Sharks have to throw in? I trust in Grier to play the game with long term goals and he knows the defense logjam can be lightened for a forward.
Excellent video again! Love your content, well done.
Sure shows the sharks still have a long way to go. That forward group is not scaring anyone and that is the strength of our team. Long way to go is how I felt after watching that. Our boys are young.
I agree on misa, ncaa and then nhl debut at end of season. Hopefully musty or Chernosov light up the ahl and will be part of the sharks by end of season
If the 2025-2026 want to have fun I think you do this if Grier doesn’t make anymore moves till trade deadline. At least try it in preseason 1. EKLUND – CELEBRINI – SMITH 2. CHERNYSHO – MISA – TOFFOLI 3. KURASH – WENNBURG – GRAF 4. OSTAPCH – BYSTED – GAUDET
I really think we need to move on from Grundstrom and Dallandrea…they have had zero offensive success not only last year but also in their 2-year prior NHL stints with LA and Dallas. Why continue to play them in the hope that they will defy their whole prio history? Trade 'em or waive'em 0- to make rom for our very talented prospects. Sure, not all of them will pan out – but cold the results be worse than those put up by G and D?
While I expect Misa will opt for the NCAA this year, I'd love to see him break right into the league and really do think he can make it. If so, here's how I'd like to see our lines: Smith-Celebrini-Toffoli Eklund-Misa-Chernishev Graf-Wennberg-Kurashev Gaudette-Giles-Caldwell (or Goodrow if we must)
Lastly, agree with you that the Zeterlund trade looks worse and worse over time. Ostapchuk showed us nothing last year…but it's also true that Zetterlund's first season with SJS was also a disappointment – so maybe Ostapchuk just needs a bit more time. But if he doesn't come storming out of the gate this season, I'd give his slot to Giles before game 15-20.
No offense but I just don't see Chernyshov in the lineup yet. Not for a 3rd line role. Probably someone older I expect. Also side note – no love for Halttunen?
I think we should try and sign at least 2 of these guys to maybe try and bolster this offense/powerplay: Jeff Skinner Jack Roslovic Max Pacioretty Can Atkinson
Thanks professor! Still too many questions remain open. We shall see what GMMG does within the next 2 months. On Afanasyev… Askarov and him are best buddies. Back in Milwaukee, both of them played together… that might be the reason on why Aganasyev is back to one-way deal… also, I hope they are done with parties as back in AHL both of them used to party heavily…
I think that Misa and Cherny will adapt, even if they may not look ready at first, just like Will Smith last season. Grier threw him into the fire, people said he wasn't ready and he ended up adapting to the speed and physicality and put up near point per game numbers in the second half.
I think I would have swapped Eklund and had him on the second line as you stated he is the best defensive forward on the team and Will Smith needs all the help he can get in that department while Celebrini does not.
I would also point out that you noted that Graf only have forty games yet you play him on his off side. Wouldn't it be better to play a different forward with more experience on their offside rather than such an inexperienced player?
Also, you first noted Graf's development path to the NHL and did not mention until later he did not start with the Sharks. I believe Lund will do the same and has almost no chance to make the Sharks at the beginning of the season.
I agree with you on Misa. He has the IQ and the talent but not the body for the NHL. I see him as a Smith type player and agree he needs to season (or two) in the NCAA. This does mean he will need to not sign his ELC and be a virtual non-factor for the Sharks this season, but for his ling term development and the long term outlook for the Sharks it is best.
I think Sharks fans and NHL fans in general got spoiled with Bedard and Celebrini making the NHL in their initial season. It is an abnormality for one player in a draft but even more so for two drafts consecutively.
I also would like to note that the list of forwards you are going over has a big chance to being different before camp hits as I expect some combination of Dellandrea, Grundstrom and Goodrow may be waived or moved.
Dellandrea scored one goal the entire season after over 60 games. I don't think this inspires any confidence of moving forward with him. I do like Grundstrom's game and see him above Dellandrea and Goodrow in the depth chart.
I also hope they waive Goodrow. They may have needed his leadership last season but with the additions that were made and the expectation of another forward (maybe two) being added to the current roster his time with the Sharks should end with the waiver wire.
GMMG also has mentioned a couple times now he wants to add a top six forward. Not sure who he gets but clearly the forwards left in free agency are not on his wish list.
Nice shot at it though, even if I have different ideas of the lines I would like to see with the current roster. I look forward to you next episode.
Musty and Smith have chemistry. Grier needs to give Musty time on the big team. The retreads need to go Goodrow and Dellandre, then this line up becomes a real rebuild.
49 Comments
Misa is a nhl player imo
So one thing to note immediately is that Graf and Toff are both right wingers. So it is unlikely they play together.
Edit: Kurashev and Eklund are also both left wingers. Assuming Misa joins, I think a to 6 could look like: Eki, Celebrini, Toff – Wenburg/Misa, Smith, Graf (i know it’s way too young of a line) – and cherni, Wenburg/Misa, and Gaudette.
Great video. Would you be willing to underline the player you are about to speak about on the whiteboard as you move through them? You say the name once and then it's he, him, a player like, ect. I find it easy to get lost as to whom you are referencing at times. Also you speak very quickly for my ancient ears. Thank you for your consideration
Would love to add Rosolovic or Rodriguez. Both are solid NHL middleclass, good for development.
Misa on the second line please. He’s better defensively already than Smith and Toffolu
i think they'll let Chernyshov play in the AHL a bit before bringing him into the shit show and either Misa makes it or they trade for a top 9 forward.
Ethan Cardwell in my eyes can replace Grundstrom, Dellandrea and Goodrow. He’s younger, has a higher ceiling and is just flat out a competitor. He was very impressive to see in person. I’m hoping guys like him can not only crack the roster, but make a big enough impression on the front office and coaching staff that they can’t send them back down. Very excited for next season to start!
Musty Misa Chernyshov
i think if you go out on a limb and have cherny on the third line misa at center isnt a huge stretch
As a Sharks fan since 1991 i just wanted to add RIP to former Shark Lyndon Byers who passed away a few days ago he definitely was a old school enforcer and we pray for his family.
If Misa makes it I think he needs to play with Chernyshov. My absolutely insane take on the top 6 is
Toffoli – Celebrini – Smith
Eklund – Misa – Chernyshov
Is this reasonable? Probably not. But I wants it. I waaaants it.
That zetterlund trade just looks worse and worse…. We need him rn the most.
The young guys need to play. Period. What does adding mid level vets do nothing the kids gonna grow. Gotta show what they got.
Thanks for the vid! Was waiting for this one.
Listening to interviews/coaches/analysts I think Misa makes the roster and gets the will smith treatment, that’s what it looks like all parties are leaning. And let’s be honest, besides getting lit up, Hes not in danger of making this team worst than the last two years.
I’d put money on an ELC and we get a Misa in the starting line, not to mention the ticket sales
Hey Professor,
This video brings into stark contrast just how much distance we have to go. I feel like we are about 2 years away from a whole raft of prospects fighting legitimately for roster spots and then Mike Grier will get his wish of fierce competition to win a spot on the roster (iron sharpens iron kind of thing). I am totally with you about Misa. Misa has a bright future but, I think giving him a year to compete against older players in the NCAA and working out with the conditioning coaches would really help him. I worry about exposing our young talent to the dangers of playing in the NHL. I don't want to see any of them get a knee on knee or concussion from a dirty hit.
I do agree with Gooshin if he is willing to sign. I would prefer to see him on that third line and given a long leash. Gooshin has earned it. I realize that Grier is not going to give ANY players a roster spot because they have done their time like a good soldier in the AHL and I would guess this is probably why Gooshin has not signed yet. I imagine the Sharks are offering him a 2 way contract and I think he doesn't want to shuttle back and forth anymore. it has to be tough for young skilled players like Gooshin to watch the likes of Grundstrom, Goodrow and Delandria while they are healthy scratches or in the AHL.
Best case scenario Gooshin signs, joins the 3rd line and then gets moved up to the 2nd line and Graff or the other guy moves down? I think Gooshin is capable of being a decent NHLer with a lot to learn if he is given the chance. It's tough to be successful if your playing with players with little to no skill or finishing ability. It's also tough when you only get one game and then you are a healthy scratch or relegated to the 4th line and 5 minutes a night. That's like being sent to the Russian front in WW II…pretty much a death sentence.
I am wondering Professor how you feel about the chances of the Sharks winning the Byrum sweepstakes from Buffalo? I think if we offered Ferraro, our 2nd 1st in the upcoming draft and possibly a sweetener like a 4th or 5th round pick if necessary might be fair value for him? Byrum fits our needs well and our timeline.
Cheers,,
Pete
Clovis, CA
Misa will be #2 Center.
This makes sense, though its all very fluid.
The young guys are still really young. In some cases, really, really young!! Gotta think Misa is bound for the NCAA. Good growth environment. Guessing Chernyshov is in the AHL. Expect several players will get some NHL games, Cheryshov included, but also Lund and Afanasyev, who is a bit older and played in men's leagues.
I do hope Giles gets the 4C role over Ostapchuk because he's just better. Might bump Ostapchuk to wing? I do like Graf getting a bigger role.
I don't think the Sharks in the market for another Zetterlund. Someone that got outscored by Gaudette in Ottawa, tanked possession metrics on all of his most common linemates and brought nothing to special teams.
In a trade of Ferraro for a top six winger, what else would the Sharks have to throw in? I trust in Grier to play the game with long term goals and he knows the defense logjam can be lightened for a forward.
Excellent video again! Love your content, well done.
Sure shows the sharks still have a long way to go. That forward group is not scaring anyone and that is the strength of our team. Long way to go is how I felt after watching that. Our boys are young.
I agree on misa, ncaa and then nhl debut at end of season. Hopefully musty or Chernosov light up the ahl and will be part of the sharks by end of season
I think Afanasyev could surprise on the bottom line if Goodrow didn’t exist
Keep the videos coming, PH. These will help to get through the next two months until Rookie Camp starts.
When is the Barclay Goodrow year-in-review? 😂
If the 2025-2026 want to have fun I think you do this if Grier doesn’t make anymore moves till trade deadline. At least try it in preseason
1. EKLUND – CELEBRINI – SMITH
2. CHERNYSHO – MISA – TOFFOLI
3. KURASH – WENNBURG – GRAF
4. OSTAPCH – BYSTED – GAUDET
GRUNDSTROM, GOODROW
1. FERRARO – LILJGREN
2. ORLOV – MUKHAMADULIN
3. DICKINSON – KLINGBERG
CAGNONI, THRUN, THOMPSON
ASKAROV
NEDELJKOVIC
I really think we need to move on from Grundstrom and Dallandrea…they have had zero offensive success not only last year but also in their 2-year prior NHL stints with LA and Dallas. Why continue to play them in the hope that they will defy their whole prio history? Trade 'em or waive'em 0- to make rom for our very talented prospects. Sure, not all of them will pan out – but cold the results be worse than those put up by G and D?
While I expect Misa will opt for the NCAA this year, I'd love to see him break right into the league and really do think he can make it. If so, here's how I'd like to see our lines:
Smith-Celebrini-Toffoli
Eklund-Misa-Chernishev
Graf-Wennberg-Kurashev
Gaudette-Giles-Caldwell (or Goodrow if we must)
Lastly, agree with you that the Zeterlund trade looks worse and worse over time. Ostapchuk showed us nothing last year…but it's also true that Zetterlund's first season with SJS was also a disappointment – so maybe Ostapchuk just needs a bit more time. But if he doesn't come storming out of the gate this season, I'd give his slot to Giles before game 15-20.
Throw that whole 4th line in the garbage, wipe it from memory and forget that any of those players even exist
Barclay must have blackmail photos of Grier & Warsofsky
Misa over Ostapchuk, and put him on the same line with Igor
Zetterlund would have been the perfect top 6 forward… really dumb trade.
The initial conversation is why this team is a bottom 5 team next year. No depth and still very inexperienced.
Also their defense is very rough and Askarov is still basically a rookie.
No offense but I just don't see Chernyshov in the lineup yet. Not for a 3rd line role. Probably someone older I expect. Also side note – no love for Halttunen?
That 4th line just hurts to look at. I have pstd
What about Switzerland for Misa? Sharks can bring him back after they trade Wennberg at the deadline.
I like kurashev on this team lot of young guys skating around feel like that’ll be good for his game
I think we should try and sign at least 2 of these guys to maybe try and bolster this offense/powerplay:
Jeff Skinner
Jack Roslovic
Max Pacioretty
Can Atkinson
Thanks professor! Still too many questions remain open. We shall see what GMMG does within the next 2 months.
On Afanasyev… Askarov and him are best buddies. Back in Milwaukee, both of them played together… that might be the reason on why Aganasyev is back to one-way deal… also, I hope they are done with parties as back in AHL both of them used to party heavily…
Did the Sharks ever get any kind of "thank you" gift from the Rangers for picking up Goodrow off of waivers?
This Grundandrearow is still an abomination
ZETTERLUND UGHHH
Kurashev Celebrini Smith
Eklund Misa Toffoli
Musty Wennberg Cherneyshov
Goodrow Ostapchuck Gaudette
Extras: Grundstrom Dellandrea
For me, the ideal lines would be :
Eklund / Celebrini / Smith
Chernyshov / Misa / Toffoli
Gaudette / Wennberg / Kurashev
Goodrow / X / X
I think that Misa and Cherny will adapt, even if they may not look ready at first, just like Will Smith last season. Grier threw him into the fire, people said he wasn't ready and he ended up adapting to the speed and physicality and put up near point per game numbers in the second half.
I think I would have swapped Eklund and had him on the second line as you stated he is the best defensive forward on the team and Will Smith needs all the help he can get in that department while Celebrini does not.
I would also point out that you noted that Graf only have forty games yet you play him on his off side. Wouldn't it be better to play a different forward with more experience on their offside rather than such an inexperienced player?
Also, you first noted Graf's development path to the NHL and did not mention until later he did not start with the Sharks. I believe Lund will do the same and has almost no chance to make the Sharks at the beginning of the season.
I agree with you on Misa. He has the IQ and the talent but not the body for the NHL. I see him as a Smith type player and agree he needs to season (or two) in the NCAA. This does mean he will need to not sign his ELC and be a virtual non-factor for the Sharks this season, but for his ling term development and the long term outlook for the Sharks it is best.
I think Sharks fans and NHL fans in general got spoiled with Bedard and Celebrini making the NHL in their initial season. It is an abnormality for one player in a draft but even more so for two drafts consecutively.
I also would like to note that the list of forwards you are going over has a big chance to being different before camp hits as I expect some combination of Dellandrea, Grundstrom and Goodrow may be waived or moved.
Dellandrea scored one goal the entire season after over 60 games. I don't think this inspires any confidence of moving forward with him. I do like Grundstrom's game and see him above Dellandrea and Goodrow in the depth chart.
I also hope they waive Goodrow. They may have needed his leadership last season but with the additions that were made and the expectation of another forward (maybe two) being added to the current roster his time with the Sharks should end with the waiver wire.
GMMG also has mentioned a couple times now he wants to add a top six forward. Not sure who he gets but clearly the forwards left in free agency are not on his wish list.
Nice shot at it though, even if I have different ideas of the lines I would like to see with the current roster. I look forward to you next episode.
I’d love to see Misa as our second line center
still don't grasp why they let zetterlund go, dude was a beast and so hard working
Hope we get some new options before the season.
Great breakdown Professor Deff can’t wait for tha season to get going 🙌🏼 feel like we’re gonna see some fun games 🫡🙏🏼👌🏼🔥🔥🔥🦈🏒
gettinng rid of bordy was a mistake
Professor I like your analysis. Not heavily opinionated but knowledgeable. Keep it up
Musty and Smith have chemistry. Grier needs to give Musty time on the big team. The retreads need to go Goodrow and Dellandre, then this line up becomes a real rebuild.
Misa is cracking the starting line up you don’t take someone 2nd overall and not start him