Continuously amassing an abundance of talented young players, particularly forwards, the San Jose Sharks are working towards becoming a powerhouse. However, there is a plethora of talent and not enough spots on the roster…particularly in the forward group. With scouts singing the praises of 21-year-old Quentin Musty and claiming he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL, but not enough open spots on the roster, the Sharks have some serious decisions to make.
Quentin Musty has always been a power forward, going back to when he was just a teenager. Almost exactly a month before his 16th birthday, the left wing was drafted first overall by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Seeing his talent, the Wolves did not hesitate to immediately throw him in his rookie season (2021-2022).
In Musty’s rookie OHL season, he wasted no time to impress. Playing almost a full season, Quentin Musty recorded 31 points (12G, 19A) in 50 games played. Though just a rookie, his 31 points ranked fifth among his teammates. Following such an impressive rookie campaign, the OHL named him to the Second All-Rookie Team. However, while his offensive capabilities were on full display this season, his play off the puck suffered with a -21.
Although circumstances would hinder future participation in a USA jersey, Musty donned the red white and blue sweater for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in summer 2022. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an international tournament meant to showcase players before they play in the season ahead of their draft year. Although USA did not medal, Musty was fantastic with 5 points (1G, 4A) in four games.
Carrying the momentum from Hlinka into his second season with the Wolves, Quentin Musty was prepared to take his play up a notch. With added responsibility wearing the “A” for his team, Musty more than doubled his production from the previous season. Instrumental to his team, Musty scored 78 points (26G, 52A) in 53 games. His 78 points and 26 goals were second most on the team, behind only David Goyette, and his 52 assists led the team. Additionally, his play off the puck dramatically improved going from -21 the previous season to +16. He also would be important to the team’s playoff run putting up 4 points (1G, 3A) in as many games.
That summer, the famously spectacular scouts at the San Jose Sharks saw this performance and were confident drafting him 26th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. This pick was acquired as part of a massive blockbuster trade involving Timo Meier and the New Jersey Devils earlier in the season.
Holding his head high after being selected so high in the draft, Quentin Musty was prepared to really make his mark on the OHL in the 2023-2024 season. Once again wearing the “A”, Musty upped his production remarkably yet again. In 53 games played, Musty tallied an incredible 102 points (43G, 59A) and again improved his play off the puck with a +19. His 102 points tied him for fourth in the entire OHL in total points, and his 43 goals tied him for fifth across the whole league. Considering this incredible record, it was not surprising when the OHL named him to the First All-Star Team. Like the previous season, the Wolves would make the playoffs. This time, though, Musty was even more crucial to the team’s success with 10 points (2G, 8A) in eight games. His 10 points were tied for first on the Wolves for most total playoff points and his eight assists held the title of most Wolves playoff assists.
The next season, Musty returned to Sudbury again prepared to lead his team for his final OHL season. However, the odds were not in Musty’s favor. Relatively early in the season, in late November, Musty was on the receiving end of an awkward check along the boards that resulted in his hand being broken. Unfortunately, he would have to miss two months of the season and subsequently was unable to participate for Team USA in the World Junior Championship. That being said, the games Musty did play that season looked good. He was able to quickly jump back into the swing of things, recording an impressive 59 points (30G, 29A) in 33 games, and assist his team in the playoffs. Although his playoff appearance was short-lived with three games, he managed 4 points (1G, 3A).
Impressed with his resiliency and ability to jump back into the chaos, the San Jose Sharks put pen to paper and signed Quentin Musty to an entry-level contract following the conclusion of his OHL season. The signing of his new contract happened to line up well, allowing him to play three regular season games and one playoff game for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL. Although he did not end up on the score sheet in either the regular season nor playoffs, his confidence in himself went a long way.
The next season, the 2025-2026 season, Quentin Musty became an important piece of the Barracuda. Much like his first year in the OHL, Musty showed no hesitation when it came to showing his prowess at a higher level. A consistent theme throughout his career has been his ability to create mayhem using his big 6-foot-two inch, 200 pound frame to his advantage, and he certainly caused commotion in his first full AHL season. In 61 games, Musty scored 45 points (24A) with his 21 goals being tied for third on the Barracuda. Although a short two-game playoff run with no points, the San Jose Sharks loved what they saw from him.
Now, scouts have been shouting from the rooftops he’s ready to make the jump. Following an impressive OHL career, and making a clear name for himself his first season in the AHL, Quentin Musty deserves a shot at a spot on the Sharks’ roster. However, with many forwards coming in/also ready to make the leap and not enough spaces on the roster, some difficult decisions have to be made. That being said, Musty’s size and physicality are what make him so valuable to this team.
The Sharks are known to be a more finesse team, and although some bulk has been added this offseason, Musty’s imposing presence goes a long way. In board battles, Musty’s size makes a big difference as he creates chaos and almost always skates away with the puck. When he doesn’t, his build allows him to propel the puck forward. Plus, his incredible vision makes him always aware of the support he has around him, especially in those board battles. At the end of the day, Musty fills in a major gap in the Sharks’ lineup and it would be foolish not to give him a chance to play. With all that in consideration, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Sharks made some trades in the future to free up some space.
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