San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier has had an eventful offseason. Many off-season moves hinged on what would happen with Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson. A week ago, we got the answer to that question. The 2023 NHL Draft was successful for the Sharks, with first-round picks Will Smith and Quentin Musty. But what will the Sharks lines look like now that their best player is gone? Here's what I think we could see David Quinn put together, at least to start the season. Eklund-Hertl-Zadina Hoffman-Couture-Duclair Barabanov-Sturm-Kunin Granlund-Bordeleau-Labanc Ferraro-Benning Thrun-Rutta Vlasic-Burroughs Grier and Quinn will have a good mix of veterans and young players to bring competition. "We do have guys on one-way contracts. But these guys are gonna have to earn their spots, and for the young players, I expect them to come in hungry and ready, and if they perform and outplay veteran guys, then they'll get the opportunity, and we'll figure the rest out for sure," Grier said on Aug. 6. Bringing up the competitive level is precisely what Grier has wanted to do since he was appointed GM of the San Jose Sharks in 2022. Players like William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau must earn their spots if they're going to play in the NHL. I also think the style of play that the Sharks are looking for on the wing is play-driving. I have harped on it since the trade of Timo Meier; the Sharks don't have anyone to drive the puck into the offensive zone. San Jose Sharks forward prospect Quentin Musty picks the top corner at development camp. Back at development camp on day one, we saw drills where the play would be driven in from the wing. Yes, it is just a drill, but practice how you want to play, right? San Jose Sharks forward prospect Will Smith shows off his toe drag release at development camp. Even with a lost season in 22-23, their scoring was up. Quinn has proved that he can revitalize a career in the NHL before. Ryan Strome was a high first-round pick who couldn't find his way until he got to the New York Rangers. While some might say he was a benefit of Artemi Panarin, Strome continued to be a good producer for a very bad Anaheim Ducks team last season, scoring 41 points. Filip Zadina could be the next revitalize project for Quinn, as coming out of the draft, Zadina was known for his ability to put the puck in the net. The defense is lacking. I can't sugarcoat it. Trading the team's No. 1 defenseman and not getting anything close to that in return hurts. Mario Ferraro [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/analysis/mario-ferraro-primed-for-a-breakout-season] isn't a number one guy, but he has the potential to take his game to the next level. He will likely get the first crack at being 'the' guy on the backend. Henry Thrun, I think, will be the first d-man to be the QB of the first powerplay unit. I also think pairing him with the newly acquired Jan Rutta will benefit his development. Rutta is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was often the defense partner of star player Victor Hedman. His experience and ability to play with top players in the NHL should help Thrun. Grier will have more work to do closer to the trade deadline. For now, Quinn and his staff need to prepare the team to compete at a high level. The future is starting to get brighter for the San Jose Sharks.
