With training camp just around the corner, it's the perfect time to examine some of the interesting battles that will unfold during camp. The Sharks have brought in many new faces and have some key battles to watch heading into camp. I'm going to be looking at 3 of the key battles to watch this pre-season.
4th-line-Center
Favorite: Zack Ostapchuck
Wild-Card: Filip Bystedt
The 4th line center position is probably the most open competition among the Sharks' forward group. Ostapchuck, Goodrow, and Dellandrea are all options that were on the team last season and spent time in this role. Goodrow is better served on the wing at this point in his career, so he's likely not an ideal 4C option. While Dellandrea struggled last season, and isn’t a guarantee to be in the lineup full time next season. The organization likely favors Ostapchuck for the role, whom they acquired from the Zetterlund trade this past trade deadline. Ostapchuk played in 56 games last season in a 4C role but didn't provide nearly enough offense, even for a 4th-line role. So while he is the favorite, it's not a guarantee that he is ready for the role full-time. This leads me to an interesting name in Filip Bystedt. Bysttedt looks solid in rookie camp, and if he can carry his strong 2-way play into pro camp, he has more upside than Ostapchuck and could jump him on the depth chart with a better camp. Bystedt is likely better served as a bottom-six guy going forward, so developing in a limited role at the NHL level shouldn't be much of an issue at this point.
The Defense Depth
Favorites: Liljegren, Leddy, Desharnais
Wild Cards: Dickinson, Thompson, Cagnoni
While the top of the defensive depth chart is likely secure with Orlov, Klingberg, Muhkamadulin, and Ferraro all guaranteed to make the roster out of camp. There is a logjam of options at this time for the final roster spots. Liljegren and Leddy are likely going to earn their spots; neither player was particularly good enough last year to inspire much confidence. Desharnais was acquired at the last trade deadline for a 5th-round pick, so while he is not safe, I find it hard to believe the Sharks would waive him after recently giving up an asset less than a year ago. This leaves the Sharks with seven defenseman, with Thompson, Dickinson, and Cagnoni also vying for a job. Dickinson will likely be given a roster spot as an 8th defenseman for at least his first nine games, barring a disastrous camp. However, Thompson is waiver-eligible and could be a legitimate threat to be claimed on waivers. He played ok in parts last year and has more upside than someone like Liljegren. So it will be interesting how he looks in camp and what the Sharks do with him. Cagnoni is likely out of luck, barring injuries, but is best served in the AHL at this time anyway.
The Forward Prospects
As is the case with rebuilding clubs, the focus for the Sharks at this year's training camp will be on the prospects. The Sharks have several highly touted prospects with a chance to make the team out of training camp. Recent 2nd-Overall pick Michael Misa is leading the charge in a similar spot to Sam Dickinson. As long as Misa has an acceptable camp, he is on the team for at least his nine games. However, assuming the Sharks carry eight defenseman, they already have 12 waiver-eligible forwards, not including Collin Graf, who should have a solid chance at an NHL spot given his play last season. This means the Sharks would need to waive one forward to roster Misa, not a big deal. Still, it does make it harder for prospects like Musty, Chernyshov, Lund, and even Bystedt and Ostapchuck to all crack the opening day roster, as I can’t see the Sharks waiving more than two forwards after camp. If multiple young players have excellent camps, it will be really interesting to see what the Sharks do before the season.
Training camp will be an interesting time, and you never know what will happen in camp. Last year, Danil Gushchin forced his way onto the team after a great pre-season, and the Sharks opened the season with 15 forwards and six defenseman, but they also have more waiver-eligible players this season. That aside, it's an exciting time for hockey fans as we inch closer to a brand new season.