July 1st was not only Canada Day, it was a time for armchair NHL GM's to sharpen their pencils, crank up the salary cap analytics, and start wheeling and dealing with the lives of all of the free agents who flood the market in search of new playing contracts.
But for the San Jose Sharks, it has long been a time to reflect on the prospects just selected at the NHL Entry Draft, and to eagerly anticipate the annual prospect development camp, which takes place this year July 3-7 at Solar4America Ice at San Jose.
GET TICKETS TO THE PROSPECTS SCRIMMAGE FOR JUST $10
The key to the health of any franchise is in its ability to scout, draft, and develop the game's future stars, and the Sharks have been one of the League's best when it comes to its approach to finding such talent. Just a week ago, they made 6 great selections at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in Chicago, and they have consistently focused on hockey IQ, athletic ability and fitness.
For the very first time, San Jose selected two California natives, Jacob McGrew (Orange) and Alexander Chmelevski (Newport Beach) in one draft, which is a definitive indicator of the impact that the NHL has had in the Golden State over the last couple of decades. But more on that in a moment: let's take a look at a capsule summary of this season's Entry Draft:
Development Camp Plays a Significant Role in Franchise Direction
JOSH NORRIS, (C), 1st round, 19th overall
There was a little irony in seeing the Sharks draft an exciting young center iceman with the 19th overall pick, given who has been wearing that sweater number in San Jose over the last 12 years. But that's only a coincidence when considering the overall talents of this supremely conditioned, intelligent, creative prospect. He has great skating ability, especially in the first few steps, and his hockey intelligence and skill allows him to make big plays. He scored the game winner in the U-18 quarterfinal vs. Switzerland in April. The thought is that he could be a combination of Logan Couture and Dylan Larkin, an intriguing concept. He'll head to the University of Michigan in the fall, no doubt accompanied by "Dustin, The Lucky Troll."
MARIO FERRARO (D), 2nd round, 49th overall
We all know that Paul Martin has been an outstanding defensive partner for Brent Burns, but at age 36, we also know that it is less likely that he'll be skating there at age 44, when #88 gets toward the end of his 8-year contract. Beginning to develop other candidates for that coveted spot is going to be important, and Ferraro could become that candidate if he continues to develop his ample skills and smarts. He's headed to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he'll have Cale Makar, a highly-regarded first-round draft pick (4th overall) as a teammate. If the two are D partners, it would be a nice dress rehearsal for Ferraro to get some experience playing alongside a top-notch player. He's a well spoken young man who makes a good first pass and, even though he isn't a physical behemoth, finishes his checks.
SCOTT REEDY (C), 3rd round, 102nd overall
The key to most NHL teams is straight up the middle. Reedy has good size (6-1, 208) already, he's difficult to play against, and he's headed to the University of Minnesota to hone his talents. Lots of people are telling us that this player has an excellent, in-your-face style with playmaking skills that add to the overall package of size and smarts.
JACOB MCGREW (RW), 6th round, 159th overall
Born in Orange, just down the street from Anaheim, McGrew didn't play any games for the Spokane Chiefs due to a lower body (read knee) injury, but this young man could turn into one of those sleeper picks that the Sharks have become known for over the years. He's reportedly a good skater with above average hands, and a competitive streak. He has the ability to accelerate and separate himself from an opposing defenseman, a valuable attribute in today's game. Good job by Pat Funk and company to keep their research on this player.
ALEXANDER CHMELEWSKI (C), 6th round, 185th overall
This young man has terrific skating skills. He reads the play very well and makes decisions quickly, while skating at top speed. He can stop on a dime, give you nine cents change, and disappear in an instant. He's another Southern Californian, from the Newport Beach - Huntington Beach area, and was named an OHL Scholastic Player of the Year with a 98% average.
IVAN CHEKHOVICH (LW), 7th round, 212th overall
He's a solid skater, a good puck protector, and has upside potential. He has a tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. With some work, he's going to be able to challenge for a pro career, and he could be another one of those great picks that people like Tim Burke, Pat Funk, Rob Grillo, and many others keep on bringing to the Sharks Organization.
What's the most important thing that we need to see from these young kids as they skate with some pros for the first time? Integration into the group is an obvious place to start, but how they utilize their talents against men for the first time will also be something to look for when the prospects camp begins on July 3rd. You'll see other top prospects like D Jeremy Roy, RW Filip Sandberg, D Radim Simek, and a cadre of players from last season's AHL Western Conference Finalist team, the San Jose Barracuda. Some will be getting ready for their first NHL seasons, while others will be looking to show how they have improved over the last 12 months.
The final analysis is: it will likely be more important how these prospects develop during a week of training at Solar4America Ice at San Jose rather than how the free agent wire shakes out during that time. Only time will tell!
