Still plenty of talent for Sharks to grab late
It was probably tough for Sharks fans on Tuesday night to see the Ottawa Senators draft a player, who, in all probability, will have an impact in the NHL for years to come.
That would have been the Sharks’ pick at No. 3 overall, of course, had they not traded it or at least protected it as part of
the 2018 blockbuster deal that brought Erik Karlsson to San Jose.
Nevertheless, even though the Sharks picked until No. 31 — the draft choice they acquired as part of the Barclay Goodrow deal — they should still be able to find a quality player.
The first round of the NHL Draft started on Tuesday at 4 p.m., and continues Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. with rounds two through seven.
There will be good players available at the spots the Sharks are picking at, particularly in the first two rounds.
“From my own evaluation of this draft, I think there’s real quality,” said Craig Button, TSN’s director of scouting, told this newspaper. “How do I define quality? Top six forwards, top four defensemen, potentially number one goaltenders later in the first round, from No. 21 on, into the second round.”
Button compared this year’s draft to setting up at a smorgasbord — there’s something for everybody.
“Do I want this to eat or do I want that? They’re both good,” Button said.
Here a look at a few players Button, a former general manager of the Calgary Flames, thought could be available later in the first round. The Sharks own the 31st overall selection in the first round on Tuesday and the 34th and 55th overall picks in the second round on Wednesday.
Forwards TYSON FOERSTER, 6-1, 195 POUNDS >>
Was the Barrie Colts’ leading scorer last season with 80 points in 62 games, Has decent size, and an above- average shot. Loves to rip onetimers. Button said he reminds him of Corey Perry. Might he be gone by 31, though?
BRENDAN BRISSON, 6-0, 185 POUNDS >>
The Manhattan Beach native and son of agent Pat Brisson is an exceptionally heady player with a nose for the puck. Had 59 points in 47 games for the Chicago Steel of the USHL. Had top line center potential.
JANMYSAK, 5-11,180POUNDS >>
Czech Republic native played in the OHL last season and had 25 points in
22 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs. Great on the forecheck. Also a heady player. Button compares him to Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens.
OZZY WIESBLATT, 5-10, 183 >>
Really blossomed in his third year in the WHL last season with the Prince Albert Raiders, collecting 70 points in 64 games. Smart player, good skater.
Defensemen HELGE GRANS, 6- 2, 206 POUNDS >>
Right shot defenseman is playing with the Malmo Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League. In 21 games with the Redhawks last season as a 17-year- old in a professional league, had four points and four penalty minutes. Good skater, smart, competitive, big body, long reach.
JEREMIE POIRIER, 6- 0, 199 POUNDS >>
Left shot defenseman is elite skater and an offensive dynamo, recording 53 points in 64 games last season for the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. Good chance he goes earlier than 31, though.
RYAN O’ROURKE, 6- 0, 173 POUNDS >>
Left shot defenseman had 37 points in 54 games last year for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, and is a good puck mover. He’s got some snarl to his game too, and loves to battle and compete.