SAN JOSE – The San Jose Sharks got another member of their 2024 draft class under contract, signing forward Carson Wetsch to a three-year, entry-level deal.

The contract, announced Wednesday, runs through the 2028-29 season and per Puckpedia, carries a $997,500 salary cap hit at the NHL level. Wetsch and the Sharks needed to agree to an entry-level contract by June 1, or he would have entered the 2026 draft.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Wetsch had 72 points, including 50 assists, over 65 games for the Kelowna Rockets this past season. The 20-year-old North Vancouver native also had four points in eight WHL playoff games and will compete in the Memorial Cup later this month, with Kelowna being the host city.

Wetsch, who also played three full seasons with the Calgary Hitmen from 2022-2025, will compete for a spot on the San Jose Barracuda’s roster next season

“Carson brings size, scoring touch, a high motor, and strong character to our organization,” general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “We are excited to add him to our group and continue his development in San Jose.”

Wetsch was taken by the Sharks in the third round, 82nd overall, in the 2024 draft. From that class, the Sharks also have forwards Macklin Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov, and defenseman Sam Dickinson and Leo Sahlin-Wallenius under contract.

Before he was returned to the WHL last year, Wetsch impressed the Sharks during the 2025 training camp with his heady play and straightforward approach.

“Every single day, he has gotten better and more comfortable,” Warsofsky said last September of Wetsch after the start of camp. (“He’s) playing with the puck more, the game’s slowing down for him a little bit, completely locked in (during) video meetings.

“Guys are asked to answer (questions), and he’s ready with the answer, and he pays attention. Not only does he pay attention in here, but he also goes out there, and he does it right.”

ELSEWHERE

Two other Sharks draft picks, goalie Christian Kirsch and forward Max Heise, are also still playing in the CHL playoffs.

Kirsch, a 2024 fourth-round pick, helped Kitchener capture the OHL championship on Tuesday, making 18 saves in a 4-2 win over Barrie in Game 4 of the best-of-seven league final to complete the series sweep. In the OHL playoffs, Kirsch, who turns 20 next month, had a 16-2 record with a .900 save percentage.

Heise, a 2025 fifth-round pick, is competing in the WHL championship with the Prince Albert Raiders. Heise had an assist in the Raiders’ 3-2 loss to Everett in Game 3, as Prince Albert trails the best-of-seven final two games to one. Heise, 20, has six points in 14 playoff games so far.

The Memorial Cup starts on May 22.