The San Jose Sharks have a 9.5% chance of landing the number one overall pick in the draft lottery on Monday. What could the lines be if they win?
The San Jose Sharks and their fans hope to hit pay dirt during the NHL Draft Lottery.
Monday Night at 5 p.m. PST on ESPN, the NHL will reveal the results of the draft lottery. The consensus number one overall pick Connor Bedard will soon find out where he will be at least starting his career.
The Sharks have a 9.5% chance of winning the lottery. San Jose finished as the fourth-worst team in the league.
During his exit interview, Sharks head coach David Quinn joked he wanted to find a lucky charm.
"I want to find one. So far, I've been unfortunate to be in the lottery twice, and it was the first and second pick when our odds were awful with the Rangers. So maybe we'll get a little bit of Irish luck there."
So if the Sharks were to win the lottery, what could their lines possibly look like?
Peterson-Hertl-Barabonov
Eklund-Bedard-Couture
Labanc-Bordeleau-Sturm
Kunin-Lorentz-Zetterlund
Since Bedard is a forward, the defense won't be listed. There are a couple of players listed in a different position than what they played last season, like Thomas Bordeleau.
Bordeleau was not very effective as a winger this past season. The return of Luke Kunin could also play into the cards. Who knows what Kevin Labanc's future is with the Sharks, but for the sake of this story, he is on the roster.
Fans have already begun to think that if Bedard comes to San Jose, he and William Eklund will play on the same line. Size could be an issue, however, with Bedard listed at 5'10 and Eklund at 5'11. If they play on the same line getting some size with them could be crucial to their success.
There are also a few players and prospects not on this main lineup. Daniil Gushchin looked comfortable when he was in the NHL this past season. What happens with a guy like Tristen Robins?
There is also the question of Oskar Lindblom, who had a tough first season with the San Jose Sharks. He was never able to find consistent footing throughout the season. He was in the top six to start the year but, as the season progressed, fell to the fourth line.
With these other thoughts in mind, here is another line combo:
Eklund-Bedard-Couture
Bordeleau-Hertl-Barabonov
Peterson-Sturm-Kunin
Labanc-Lorentz-Lindblom
In this version, Fabian Zetterlund is dropped from the lineup. This might actually be closer to what Sharks fans might see come opening night. Jacob Peterson was a big surprise offensively last season, and Quinn may want to get him in the top six.
Connor Bedard is a generational talent, and if the San Jose Sharks win the draft lottery on Monday, fans and insiders will be making a bunch of line combos in anticipation of seeing him on the ice.