San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf is getting an excellent opportunity to prove himself this preseason.
San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf is getting an excellent opportunity to prove himself this preseason.
San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf is getting an excellent opportunity to prove himself this preseason.
Graf has been skating with William Eklund and Mikael Granlund during the first part of training camp. Eklund, Granlund, and Fabian Zetterlund finished last season as the team's top line.
In each team's first preseason game, San Jose will take on the Vegas Golden Knights tonight. Graf is in the lineup and will play on the right wing.
"They're both really good players," Graf said about his linemates. "They're really skilled [and] really good with the puck. I'm just trying to find open spots and make some plays with them."
Graf signed out of Quinnipiac and played seven games in the NHL last season. He had two assists. Throughout his time in the NHL, the forward often said he wanted to add some strength during the 2024 offseason.
Coming into camp, Graf says he added around ten pounds of muscle.
"It's a lot [about] quickness for me," Graf said. "I'm not going to be the strongest guy out there, but making sure the lower body feels strong, [and] I feel faster. That's been the most important part."
Graf isn't a surefire pick to make the opening night roster, but his opportunity, which starts with tonight's preseason game, can help boost his chances.
"I just want to take advantage of that opportunity as much as I can. Go out there [and] make plays, be responsible defensively," Graf said. "Just play a good game. I'm not going to try to do anything different than how I'd normally play. It's a big opportunity to get to play in a preseason game."
Graf was practicing on the second powerplay unit during the pregame skate.
The Sharks take on the Vegas Golden Knights at the SAP Center at 5 p.m.
Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Couture Remains Sharks Captain, But Warsofsky Adds Depth To Leadership Group
Macklin Celebrini To Make Preseason Sharks Debut
Sharks' Cody Ceci Says Macklin Celebrini Is "Pretty Special"
Ethan Cardwell Becoming Darkhorse To Make Sharks Opening Night Roster
Follow Max on Twitter: @Real_Max_Miller
