{ "blocks": [ { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "With the No. 26 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks select... Dmitri Simashev, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)." } }, { "type": "image", "data": { "file": { "url": "https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4OTY0NzI4NTQ5MDkxMDg5/screenshot-2023-06-27-101006.jpg" }, "caption": "" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Why pick him? Simashev is a 6'4 defenseman who can skate with ease. Good skating ability is a must to be a successful defenseman in the NHL.

With an Erik Karlsson trade imminent, the Sharks will need more than one player to fill the void. Not to mention players like Marc-Edouard Vlasic are starting to age.

Simashev isn't known for his offensive output. His competitiveness and willingness to work anywhere on the ice are precisely what GM Mike Grier is looking for.

Grier has repeatedly said that he is looking for competitiveness throughout his lineup. Even in situations where the Russian may be beaten down the wing, his size and reach still allow him to influence the play.

Unlike Matvei Michkov, Simashev's contract in the KHL is through the 2024-25 season. This would mean that Simashev could come to the U.S. within three years. Simashev also does not have much time in the KHL.

He has only played 18 career games at Russia's top professional level. Last season in the MHL for Loko Yaroslavl, Simashev had 10 points in 29 games.

Often compared to Boston Bruins defenseman Dmitry Orlov, Simashev is a strong skater who thinks about his end first.

What are the other options? Theo Lindstein is another option that the San Jose Sharks pick. Lindstein is a Swedish defenseman who could be selected in the early second round.

Lindstein has played 32 games in the SHL and was the alternate captain of Sweden's IIHF World Junior Championship team." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Swedes are often known for their smooth and agile skating ability. Lindstein is no different. At the U18 World Hockey Championships, Lindstein had 15 points in 15 games and displayed that elite skating ability." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "What else to expect? The No. 26 overall pick could be utilized to add another piece for the San Jose Sharks. However, there is more than one option, as this pick could also be used to move up or back in the draft, depending on what Grier has on his draft board." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "At No. 26, the Sharks need to get the best player available and continue to build a prospect pool with some promising players." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": " 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." } }, { "id": "jhjx8wdy-pu4dlr40", "type": "embed", "data": { "service": "twitter", "source": "https://twitter.com/TheHockeyNews/status/1659272682603520006", "embed": "https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=1659272682603520006", "caption": "" } } ] }

THN Mock Draft: No. 26 Pick