The San San Jose Sharks need elite talent, and they can find it with the No. 4 pick.

With the No. 4 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks select... Matvei Michkov, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL).

Why pick him? The Sharks desperately need elite offensive talent, and Michkov can bring just that. The Russian winger probably could've given Connor Bedard a run at the No. 1 overall pick, but given his contractual status in the KHL, he has slipped down the order. 

When the Sharks traded Timo Meier, they lacked an offensive driver. Michkov's speed and skill on the wings can bring exactly what this team lacks. Although only 5'10, 172 lbs, Michkov's powerful skating can give the San Jose Sharks a decided edge on the wings.

While on loan at HK-Sochi, he scored 20 points in 27 games, showing he can get the job done against men, even as an underage forward.

The other aspect of picking the 18-year-old is that given where the Sharks are in their rebuild, they won't need to bring Michkov in immediately. With his contract spanning another three seasons, the earliest he could come to the NHL would be the 2026-27 season. Michkov and SKA can mutually agree if he wants to come to the USA sooner.

It has been rumored that Michkov is making himself available to specific teams before the draft. There is speculation that he could tell specific teams that he would come to America sooner if drafted by them.
The biggest flaw in his game is his defense. That should be the least of the Sharks' concerns should they draft Michkov. If drafted by San Jose, he would be there to drive the offense and help them score goals.

Who knows where how high his development will be when his contract runs out in Russia and he finally comes to the U.S.?

What are the other options? If the Sharks pass on Michkov or he is unavailable, players like Will Smith or Leo Carlsson are the next best available.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are expected to take a centerman with the No. 3 selection. Both Smith and Carlsson are centers. San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he is familiar with Smith's game. 

Carlsson may be more of the dynamic forward, but Smith's speed and hockey I.Q. are off the charts. If San Jose doesn't select Michkov, then Smith might be the next best option.

What else to expect? The Sharks will have a second first-round pick at No. 26. Depending on what goes down with the Erik Karlsson trade Team Teal could have various options available.

The Hockey News' 2023 NHL Draft Preview issue has been available for over a month, but in case you've missed it, check it out here.