The Future Is Teal

Sharks Prospect Scrimmage 2024: Smith and Celebrini face off

With the franchise’s first-ever first-overall draft selection made in June, the Sharks selected and signed center Macklin Celebrini. The standout talent joins the previous year’s #4 overall selection, Will Smith, to headline a prospect pool ready to arrive on the scene in San Jose and make their debuts in Teal in the Sharks Home Opener on October 10.

In a short period of time, Sharks General Manager Mike Grier has transformed the Sharks into an organization busting at the seams with youthful talent. By investing time and energy in scouting and development, it paved the way for NHL-ready youth to seize full-time roles such as forward William Eklund who each took a big step forward in 2023-24. Another group, in defenseman Henry Thrun and forward Thomas Bordeleau, continued their development, splitting time between the Sharks and Barracuda. In addition, five players – Collin Graf, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Georgi Romanov – made their respective NHL debuts over the course of the 2023-24 season.

On June 13, the Sharks introduced Ryan Warsofsky as the 11^th head coach in Sharks history. Warsofsky and his new staff provide a track record of success at nearly every level of hockey and are positioned well to bring along the emerging young players on the roster.

The upward trajectory is not only about youth. On July 1, veteran goal scoring, leadership and depth were added, with Stanley Cup Champion forward Tyler Toffoli signing a four-year contract, as the Sharks bolstered the NHL lineup to support Celebrini and Smith’s ascension into the league. The summer’s offseason moves helped rank the Sharks as the 5^th most improved roster after finishing 32^nd last year.

In the front-office, Grier continues to add behind-the-scenes. Long-time strength and conditioning coach Mike Potenza re-joined the organization after a couple seasons working within the Golden State Warriors organization to now lead as the director of high performance. Fan-favorite Sharks alum Ryane Clowe continues his post-playing career in hockey by re-joining the club as assistant general manager after three seasons as a senior advisor for the New York Rangers.

Whether it’s adding the elite young talent, a new coaching staff, championship veteran presence, or continuing to invest in the development process and culture, one thing can be clear in San Jose, the Future is Teal and the start of something very special can be witnessed live starting this October at SAP Center.