Collin Graf skated with the San Jose Sharks for the first time today and explained his decision to sign here over other interested teams.

Collin Graf skated with the San Jose Sharks for the first time today and explained his decision to sign here over other interested teams. 

"I think they were really honest with me," Graf told reporters. "There are a lot of Northeast guys, as a Massachusetts guy, it's familiar. I thought that obviously added to the decision for sure. I think it was just the honesty of what they saw in me and what they thought I could do."

Graf said that he arrived in California at 11 p.m. last night. He also said that he had never been west of North Dakota. 

While head coach David Quinn has not decided when Graf will make his NHL debut, he said he will play at least one of the Sharks' two games this weekend. Graf skated on the right wing of a line centered by Luke Kunin and William Eklund on the left wing. 

"It's really exciting. I know they are both really good players," Graf said of his possible linemates. "I just had one practice with them,  but I can tell they're really good already." 

Graf said he knows Henry Thrun. Thrun played at Harvard and faced Quinnipiac while both played in the NCAA. Like Graf, Thrun is a native of the Boston area.

"I know Henry Thrun. [I] played against him at Harvard," Graf said. "[I've] skated with him growing up; we had a similar skating coach, and in the summer, played three on three with him. Besides that, I don't think I know anyone [else here]."

Along with Thrun, Thomas Bordeleau played NCAA hockey and Graf told the media he was trying to soak up every bit of information his new teammates gave him.

"I'm trying to be a sponge. Just soak up as much information as I can," he said. "Obviously, they went through it, so it's great to just ask any questions because they were probably thinking the same thing that I am going through the same stuff."

Quinnipiac was knocked out of the NCAA tournament by Sharks prospect Will Smith and Boston College, but that didn't stop Graf from being excited about the franchise's future.

"I played against both Smith and [Macklin] Celebrini this year. Both are really good players, like obviously stars in the making, if not stars now," Graf said. "It's really exciting. It's an exciting opportunity to be a part of it."

Graf said his family is flying in and will be in San Jose tomorrow, but he is unsure if he will make his NHL debut against the St. Louis Blues. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

BREAKING: Sharks' Justin Bailey Nominated For Bill Masterton Trophy

From One Former College Athlete To Another, Sharks Thomas Bordeleau Shares His Message To Collin Graf

Former Sharks Coach & NHL Legend's Grandkids Return To San Jose With SJSU Hockey

BREAKING: Sharks Sign College Star Collin Graf

BREAKING: Sharks First-Round Pick Makes AHL Debut; Scores Back-To-Back Goals

• undefined