The Best Of Collin Graf Is Still To Come

Collin Graf has one assist in two games with the San Jose Sharks, but the young forward is still getting comfortable in the NHL.

Collin Graf has one assist in two games with the San Jose Sharks, but the young forward is still getting comfortable in the NHL.

Graf looked like a different player from game one to game two in his young career. 

"The first game, I was really trying to make sure my defensive stuff was good," Graf said this morning. "The coaches showed me a lot of stuff, whether in-zone, neutral zone or set forechecks. I was just trying to make sure that I was comfortable with all that stuff. I think into the second game, once I got more comfortable, I tried to go out there and make some more plays."

"I think the biggest thing is you got to be in the right spot all the time," Graf said about what he's learned in his first two games. 'It goes quick and if you're caught in the wrong spot, then you're going to get exposed. I think that guys come fast, so you got to think quickly and make plays quickly."

Graf played on the right wing for his first game but shifted to the left for his second. He told reporters that he is comfortable on either wing. He said he played the right wing for Quinnipiac as he was one of two right-handed forwards on the team. 

The way Graf interacted with the media today showed growth. He was smiling more and had funny quips.

"Just like using my voice. Like learning everyone's names so I can say them and call for the puck when I'm open," Graf said. "Yeah [I know everybody's name now]. The jerseys helped." 

His jokes didn't stop there. When discussing his growth spurt, he mentioned what the biggest adjustment was for him.

"My knees hurt," Graf joked. "It was different because I think that [being smaller] almost helped me because, especially when hitting, you had to be really aware of the bigger guys." 

With Klim Kostin back in the lineup tonight, Graf could move back to the right wing if William Eklund returns to his line.

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