Rookie camps across the NHL signify the start of the season, and the San Jose Sharks started their camp on Wednesday.
Hockey season is right around the corner as teams across the NHL have begun their rookie camps, including the San Jose Sharks.
On Wednesday, 28 Sharks prospects took the ice at the practice facility in preparation for the 2023 Rookie Faceoff this weekend.
2021 No. 7 overall pick William Eklund is participating in his third rookie camp/rookie faceoff. Eklund missed the end of last season due to a shoulder injury. Eklund spoke with the media yesterday and confirmed he is 100% healthy.
Eklund also confirmed that this shoulder injury is something he has dealt with for an extended period.
"I feel so much better now," Eklund said. "I have two shoulders again. It is a different world."
Video via: San Jose Sharks
2023 No. 26 overall pick Quentin Musty returns to San Jose for the first time since Development Camp in July.
Musty did have a speed bump along the way as he had to get new hockey gear as his equipment was lost during travel.
The San Jose Sharks have been bringing a competitive vibe to their practices. San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy has been leading the on-ice drills. He and the organization are committed to high-energy drills.
Video via: Max Miller
The Barracuda have a massive turnover in the crease. Magnus Chrona and Georgi Romanov will most likely start in the AHL. Eetu Makiniemi will probably be the starting goalie, but he could see some time in the NHL.
Aaron Dell signed a PTO with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Chrona is 6'5, and Romanov is 6'4, which is a drastic change in size for a San Jose Sharks goaltending prospect.
"They're all big bodies, which is nice," McCarthy said. "Obviously, they take up more of the net. It's encouraging. Our scouts are high on them. Our goaltending departments are high on them. I'm looking forward to getting to see them games this weekend."
After the official skate ended, every player took an extra 15 minutes to work on specific skills. Some players worked on their shots. Others worked on their hands.
The San Jose Sharks finished 14th in the NHL in faceoff percentage last season. At 51%, there is room for improvement. All of the centers at rookie camp used the extra time to work on winning draws.
Video via: San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks will take on the Los Angeles Kings on Friday at 1 p.m. for their first tournament game.
