10 Things to Watch: On the Bubble

10 Things to Watch: On the Bubble

This is our series 10 things to watch in the upcoming Shark season. And this time around, we’ll discuss some bubble players. Players who we know will be key contributors of this team eventually, but players who we wonder if this season will be their timing, their opportunity to make that happen. Let’s begin with forward Colin Graph, who was actually undrafted into the NHL and signed by the Sharks to a three-year entry-level contract back in April of 2024. Two springs ago, he played seven games for San Jose and then another 33 this past season. Last year at age 22, Graph played 40 games and notched 35 points with the Barracuda, but really proved himself at the NHL level. Despite never being a penalty killer, he assumed that role last season to a large degree of success. So the question now, does he get a full season with the Sharks starting in October? Can he cement himself as a leader on the PK while continuing to be a dangerous and valuable and versatile winger on the third line? What about Luca Canonei? Kags was a fourthround pick by the Sharks in 2023 who has really progressed in the last several seasons. The left shot defenseman has a huge offensive upside which was evident by his 52 points in 64 games with the Cuda last season. Listed at 591 175. Canyone is not the most imposing figure on the blue line, but has that rare ability to move the puck up the ice and be dangerous by jumping in on rushes. Luca had a small taste of the NHL back in March and April of this year. He picked up a few points and he definitely looked like he belonged. Will there be an opportunity for Canone to play regular minutes for a sustained period of time with the Sharks this season? That certainly seems likely at some point. And the list doesn’t stop there. So many other players and names we could have included here that could be brought up to the Sharks and stay with the Sharks at a moment’s notice this season. Defenseman Jack Thompson and Lucas Carlson, forwards Eigor Cherishop, Quinton Musty, Ethan Cardwell, Casper Halton, and so many more. That’s kind of a big theme of this upcoming season. The San Jose pipeline has been growing for several years now, and within the next few months, we’ll start to see the flow of emerging talent that should be consistent for another four to 5 ears. The

Brodie Brazil breaks down a group of bubble players heading into the start of Camp.