What do San Jose Sharks fans think will happen with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft?
The San Jose Sharks will have some options in the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft, and fans have their predictions on what they think will happen when the Sharks pick fourth.
Will Smith- 39.4%
Will Smith is who Sharks fans think will be selected at No. 4. The U.S.-born centerman can drive offense and create opportunities for his linemates.
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier also has familiarity with Smith, as he mentioned after the Draft Lottery.
"Yeah, he's a Boston kid. He was at high school with my oldest son for a year before he left for the program. I know Will fairly well. He's going to [Boston College], which isn't great," Grier said.
With the Colombus Blue Jackets expected to take a centerman, the question comes down to either selecting Leo Carlsson or Will Smith.
"He had a great tournament. He's really a talented offensive player. He made a lot of high-end plays over there and kind of drove the offense. His line, in general, was probably the best line over there. He's had a really good year," Sharks GM Mike Grier said about Smith. "This whole season, but the U18s were a good showing for him, along with some of the other players over there. He's a very talented offensive player."
Matvei Michkov- 37.2%
Matvei Michkov has been one of the most significant talking points of the upcoming draft due to his contractual status in Russia.
Michkov will not be able to come to the U.S. for another three seasons unless there is a mutual agreement between him and his KHL team. Given the San Jose Sharks rebuilding status, this might not be a bad idea.
At one point, Michkov was considered the second pick in the draft behind Connor Bedard but has slipped a little.
There also have been reports that he is only speaking to specific teams, trying to maneuver his way to a specific team.
"We'll take in all that information and consider all the options. The good and bad and the pluses and minuses of all the players that will be options for us. I think it's something that we'll definitely discuss, but it's not anything that's going to take anyone off the table," Grier said.
Leo Carlsson- 19.1%
I believe that the only reason why Leo Carlsson finished third in this poll is because fans don't believe he will be available at four.
As mentioned before, Carlsson could be going at No. 3 to CBJ.
In Sweden's highest league, the SHL, Carlsson had 25 points in 44 games for Orebro HK. While those numbers don't jump off the page, the 18-year-old had nine points in 13 playoff games for the club.
TSN's Bob McKenzie compares Carlsson's playstyle to that of Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom. Although Carlsson has a size advantage over Backstrom, the Swede is a playmaking centerman who works to get to the dirty areas of the ice.
If Carlsson slides to four and Grier has a choice of Smith or Carlsson, it could be a coinflip for who the team drafts.
Other- 4.3%
I wouldn't rule out anything regarding the San Jose Sharks 2023 NHL Draft plans. There have been rumors regarding the team selecting defenseman David Reinbacher at No. 4.
Rumors of the Montreal Canadiens wanting to trade up in the draft have also been discussed.
The Sharks are in a spot this season where they can draft patiently. They aren't in a place where a player needs to be in the NHL immediately. At No. 4, San Jose should still be getting a top prospect.
We will find out what they do on June 28th at 4 p.m. PST.