San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf played just seven games in the NHL, yet he's already experienced a coaching change.
San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf played just seven games in the NHL, yet he's already experienced a coaching change.
San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf played just seven games in the NHL, yet he's already experienced a coaching change.
For Graf, that is somewhat familiar. While attending Union College during 2021-22, his head coach stepped down, forcing the assistants to take over.
"It's definitely something different. It's actually something I went through a little bit during my freshman year at Union; our head coach, unfortunately, had to step down midway through the year. The assistant both assistants took over and sort of like joined responsibility," Graf explained. "It's something that I've experienced a little bit. Obviously, not at Quinnipiac with Coach Pecknold there. He's been there for 30-something years."
Graf may only have a little NHL experience, but the young forward knows what he likes from a head coach. With San Jose still searching for a coach, the 21-year-old told THN he wants a fair head coach more than anything.
"I think fair is a really good way of putting it," Graf said. "Someone who is hard on you when you need it, especially when something needs to be corrected. I think I take criticism well, so I like someone who won't be afraid to say what they're thinking."
Graf was also fair in evaluating his offseason plan. Since joining the Sharks organization, Graf has said he needs to add muscle.
"I think that getting to play with the Sharks at the end of the year was a really good learning experience. I noticed guys close really fast and there's less time to make plays as opposed to college. Some of the things I'm working on this Summer include strength. Specifically getting stronger to try to win more puck battles," Graf explained. "I'd say trying to be more prepared for a longer season because obviously, college, it is only 40 games or something like that, and professionals are a lot more. Just continue to work on things I think I'm good at, like skills. It's important to always work on those types of skills."
Graf said he is focusing on his lower-body strength but did reference quickness.
"I'd say lower-body has been a big focus along with just putting on some weight," he explained. "I think that speed and quickness goes along with that. I think that's really important, to be able to move quickly. Then, be able to win some of those battles. Like, I know, I'm not the biggest guy, so using good body positioning and just having a good strong foundation is going to be really important."
Now a professional hockey player, Graf has access to many resources that weren't as readily available during his time in the NCAA. He hopes to utilize those to the full extent.
"Just having access to more resources with the Sharks is going to be really beneficial," Graf said. "They literally have everything. Things like food, strength, whatever it could be. Having access to that has been big."
Graf once again emphasized that his short stint in the NHL gave him good insight into what he needed to focus on.
"Getting to play at the end of the year last year gave me a really good couple of things I know I need to work on as opposed to watching on TV," he said.
Graf is part of the Sharks' future. His mental and physical preparation this Summer will be vital in giving him the best chance to make the NHL club out of training camp. He confirmed to THN that he will attend development camp in early July.
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