Training camp is underway, and there are plenty of takeaways from day 1 that could impact the Sharks this season.
Will Smith playing on the wing to start the season?
The plan for Will Smith seems to be to start the season on the wing. While this is not a bad thing, as Smith’s game seemed to come alive on the wing last season, versus down the middle of the ice. It is a little surprising to see the Sharks pivot at the start of training camp. This is likely to do with the Sharks' confidence in their recent 2nd overall pick, Michael Misa’s ability to play down the middle as an 18-year-old. A promising sign for his chances of securing a role potentially as the team's 2nd or 3rd line center out of camp.
As for Smith, a full season on the wing alongside Celebrini could help him build on a very strong end to last season, where he put up 30 points in his final 35 games.
Eklund is 100% healthy.
Eklund said in his first media session that he is 100% recovered from offseason wrist surgery. He suffered a scary laceration to his wrist while playing for Sweden in the World Championships. Eklund being 100% is a blessing for the Sharks, as this injury could have been significantly worse. But Eklund and the Sharks have dodged a bullet.
Eklund also mentioned that he wants to be more of a leader this season. The young star is currently one of the longest tenured Sharks, Second only to Mario Ferraro, if you don’t count Barclay Goodrow's initial time with the Sharks. The young star has improved in every season, and his emergence as a leader both on and off the ice could go a long way in the Sharks' improvement, not only now but also in the future.
Celebrini leaves practice early.
Celebrini left the ice early, leaving fans with some concerns. Fortunately, it seems it wasn’t anything serious as he was feeling under the weather. Celebrini missed all but one game the first month of last season due to an injury suffered in an exhibition game. His health to start the season will be paramount to the Sharks getting off the ground running.
Grier wants his players to “earn it”
The Slogan for the Sharks this season is “earn it,” and Grier made it clear that he will make room on the roster for the best players to play if they force his hand. This goes for players like Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson, who would need to take up a contract slot to be rostered past nine games, but also guys like Musty, Chernyshov, and the other Sharks prospects. They won’t be given roles on the team, but if they earn their spot, it doesn’t seem like Grier will hesitate to make room for players who do.