Sharks Prospect Could Miss Chance At World Juniors Amid OHL Trade Saga
San Jose Sharks top prospect Quentin Musty could miss his chance to play at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship because of his trade request in the OHL.
Juan Ocampo - LA Kings - Sharks Prospect Could Miss Chance At World Juniors Amid OHL Trade SagaSan Jose Sharks top prospect Quentin Musty could miss his chance to play at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship because of his trade request in the OHL.
The 19-year-old requested a trade from the Sudbury Wolves and hasn't played a game with his OHL squad. This could hinder his chances at the WJC and affect his development.
"It's not ideal," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said. "We're trying to support Q as much as we can, but it's definitely not an ideal situation for him not to be playing."
The 2023 first-round pick had a stellar Rookie Faceoff tournament but struggled in the preseason. Due to Musty's July birthday, the Sharks had two choices: keep him in the NHL or send him to Juniors. The AHL was not an option.
Grier told reporters that he's spoken to Musty's agent and sent a message saying that the trade needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.
"We've let the agent know that there needs to be a resolution to this thing pretty quickly," Grier said.
The best way for Musty to continue to get closer to the NHL is by playing in games, which isn't happening. Grier understands that, and while he doesn't think the lack of playtime hasn't hurt him yet, that moment isn't far away.
"From a development standpoint, it's obviously not great. I think he had good development work here with us in training camp," Grier said. "I think he was ready to hit the ground running there for Sudbury. It's a couple weeks of him not doing anything, so it's not great. I don't think it's hindering his development at this point, but if it starts to drag on too long, I don't think it'll be great."
Musty was surprisingly left off the 2024 Team USA World Juniors roster last season and was expected to be a top contributor this season. If he doesn't start playing games soon, he won't get his chance to play at the WJC.
"For him, you know World Juniors is a goal of his. He's going to, wherever he goes, or [if] ends up going back to Sudbury, whatever it may be, he's basically going to have a month to try and show USA Hockey that he's their guy."
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