Mike Grier Isn't Concerned With Amount Of Forwards; Expects Sharks Training Camp To Be Most Competitive Since Taking Over
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier has had a busy offseason, and in doing so, he has brought in a forward group that will force head coach Ryan Warsofsky to make lineup decisions nightly.
Dean Tait - Hockey Shots - Mike Grier Isn't Concerned With Amount Of Forwards; Expects Sharks Training Camp To Be Most Competitive Since Taking OverSan Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier has had a busy offseason, and in doing so, he has brought in a forward group that will force head coach Ryan Warsofsky to make lineup decisions nightly.
The Sharks have signed their top two prospects, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, but that didn't stop Grier from insulating the rest of the forward group with more talent.
San Jose added Ty Dellandrea, Carl Grundstrom, Barclay Goodrow, Alex Wennberg, and Tyler Toffoli. The Sharks will want their young players, such as Smith, Celebrini, and William Eklund, to continue playing in the lineup. Because of that, training camp becomes more critical as roster spots become more challenging.
"I'm not worried about [the amount of forwards. I think the NHL is all about competition, and none of these kids should be handed anything, right," Grier said. "If you're good enough to play, you'll play, and if you earn your way onto the roster, you'll play."
Competition is excellent for young players, especially high draft picks, because it allows them to prove to veterans they are there to stay. Competition drills were a staple in former head coach David Quinn's practice plans, and similar drills occurred during this season's development camp. Forwards would often take on defensemen in one-on-one drills, and sometimes, there would be some two-on-two small-area games.
"I think that's what we've been striving for since I took over, to have as much internal competition as possible," Grier explained. "I think that makes everyone better and involved. We probably haven't had enough of that over these first couple of years. I expect this to be the most competitive training camp we've had."
Grier wasn't shy when discussing veteran players potentially not earning a spot on the roster.
"We'll keep the best players here and who we think will help us win the most games," Grier said. "If a young guy comes out, beats an older player out for a position, and has a better camp, they're going to play."
To make the opening night roster, players like Collin Graf, Klim Kostin, Daniil Gushchin, and Givani Smith must perform well at training camp.
Grier recognized that injuries occur every season, like Mikael Granlund and Logan Couture last season. Forwards will have opportunities, but their performances at training camp will dictate when those opportunities happen.
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