The Sharks held their annual prospect scrimmage yesterday. The prospect scrimmage is never a barometer for evaluating players, but it is a chance to see young prospects from the last couple of drafts play in Teal. In addition to hearing from players and coaches about their progress and goals for the offseason. Here are my takeaways from this year’s development camp.
Michael Misa
There wasen’t the same spotlight on Michael Misa as there was Mackilin Celebrini last year, but the 2nd overall pick still commanded a ton of attention over the week. Misa played well in the scrimmage, recording an assist in the first minute of the game and showing his chemistry with OHL teammate and fellow Shark prospect Igor Chernyshov throughout the scrimmage.
It sounds like the Sharks are going to give Misa every opportunity to make the Sharks this season, according to Director of Player Development Todd Marchant.
In the event Misa signs his ELC his spot with the Sharks is all but locked, he in ineligible to play in the AHL, and after putting up 134 points in the OHL last season he has clearly graduated from that level of hockey. Personally, I think a year in the NCAA would do Misa some good; he is not as physically ready for the NHL as Celebrini was heading into his rookie season and could use a year to build up strength and get his body ready for the NHL the following season. With that said, there does not seem to be much interest from Misa in going the NCAA route next season, who has been adamant about making the Sharks next season.
One thing Misa wants to focus on next season is “keeping his feet moving.” The NHL will give you no time to make a play, and if Misa can make more plays at NHL pace, it will probably keep him in the NHL next season.
Sam Dickinson
This was Dickinson’s second development camp with the Sharks, and it showed. While Dickinson dident lite up the scrimmage his poise with the puck was vastly improved from a year ago, and his game was much calmer then last year. Obviously, it's hard to evaluate players in this type of environment, but Dickinson really showed how much more confidence he gained this past season.
With the recent signings on defense, Dickinson’s spot on the Sharks next season is far from guaranteed, but the Sharks made it clear that if he shows he is ready, they will make room for him. Dickinson tore up the OHL last season, and while he is probably ready for the next step, you don’t want to rush a teenage defender to the NHL if he is not 100% ready for the NHL.
Other Standouts
Defenseman Erick Pholkamp scored a hat-trick in the Scrimmage, and looked like one of the better players this week, the 21 year-old is heading back to Denver next season for his junior season, but hopes to turn pro next season.
Joey Muldowney ripped an absolute rocket at the scrimmage and looked noticeable all game, Muldowney is going back for his Junior year at Uconn.
2025 second-round pick Haoxi Wang had his ups and downs; his raw talent is evident, as he possesses tools that other players don’t. However, as advertised, his hockey sense and reads are significantly behind those of other prospects. He needs time, but there is clear upside there.
Igor Chenryshov looked the most pro-ready at the scrimmage. He has the body and skill of an NHL player. He will likely play in the AHL next season, but is a dark-horse candidate to crack the Sharks out of camp.