Sharks Assign First-Round Pick To AHL

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier announced that the team has assigned 2022 first-round pick Filip Bystedt to the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier announced that the team has assigned 2022 first-round pick Filip Bystedt to the AHL's San Jose Barracuda. 

Bystedt played for Linköping HC in the SHL. In 47 games, he scored eight goals and nine assists. He also won a silver medal with Team Sweden at the 2024 World Juniors. 

Before heading back to Sweden last summer, Bystedt inked his entry-level contract. He will now have a chance to transition to the North American game. 

It is common for draft picks to finish a season overseas and head to North America. The Vancouver Canucks just did this with Elias Pettersson, the defenseman, not their No. 1 center, and Jonathan Lekkerimäki. Both of those players made their AHL debuts over the weekend with the Abbotsford Canucks. 

Bystedt's 6'4, 198 lbs frame will bring the size down the middle. Since trading Tomas Hertl, the Sharks don't have any big centermen on the roster. Nico Sturm is the team's biggest center at 6'3, 209 lbs. 

The 20-year-old has shown a great ability to find loose pucks in front of the net. Although he isn't the fastest skater, his hockey IQ should allow him to be successful.

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