Back in May, I ranked my top 15 prospects in the Sharks system. Since then, the Sharks have added a host of new prospects to the organization via the 2025 draft. With both training camp and rookie camp on the horizon, it’s a great time to revisit the exercise and see the state of the pool heading into the 2025-26 season. I will release my top 15 over the course of three articles, starting with numbers 15-11 and working my way up from there.
Regarding eligibility, my cut-off for what I consider a prospect will be 50 NHL games played for Skaters and 25 games played for Goalies, with an age cut-off of 24. This is the same cut-off I used for the prior ranking. Let's get into the list. Today, we are looking at the top 5 prospects in the Sharks system!
5 - Shakir Muhkhamadulin, D, acquired via trade
Kicking off the top 5, we have Shakir Muhkhamadulin, acquired from the Devils in the Timo Meier trade. Muhkhamadulin has slowly progressed through the Sharks' system, breaking through this past season, only to see his season cut short due to a shoulder injury. Muhkhamadulin looked the part of a top 4 NHL defenseman last season, and can likely be penciled into the Sharks' top 4 this coming season. He is a big part of the defense core that the Sharks are building, and his ability to play the right side as a left-handed defenseman only adds to his value going forward. The next step for Muhkhamadullin is to continue growing his confidence with the puck and his decision-making, something that made notable strides before his season ended.
4 - Igor Chernyshov, W, 2nd round 2024 (33)
Coming in at number four is Igor Chernyshov. Chernyshov is one of my favorite prospects in the Sharks system, and one of four prospects I consider blue-chip premium assets in the Sharks system. I was shocked when Cheryshov fell to the 2nd round in his draft year and even more elated when the Sharks selected him. This past season, he rewarded that selection with a mind-blowing 55 points in 23 OHL contests after returning from offseason shoulder surgery, and playing alongside now-teammate Michael Misa. Cheryshov has a pro-ready game; he can shoot, set up teammates, and has the size you want in a modern-day Power Forward. It would not surprise me if he broke camp with the Sharks, skipping the AHL altogether. Regardless, he has a bright future and is the perfect complement to the Sharks' young core of centers going forward.
3 - Sam Dickinson, D, 1st round 2024 (11)
At number 3, we have Dickinson, who, after a monster campaign that saw him help lead the London Knights to a Memorial Cup, has solidified himself as the number 1 defense prospect in the Sharks system and one of the premier prospects in the NHL. Dickinson possesses all the tools of a top-flight defenseman, including size, defensive play, dynamic skating, and offensive prowess. The one thing holding Dickinson back from being higher for me is his Hockey Sense; his decision-making can be really poor at times, and if that carries over to the NHL, it could hold him back from reaching the offensive level you would expect from a player who just put up 91 points in the OHL. With that said, it’s not a significant concern, and it's not a stretch that he may be the 2nd best defensive prospect in hockey after recent 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer. Dickinson will look to crack the Sharks this year and should be given every opportunity to do so as opposed to another year in the OHL.
2 - Yaroslav Askarov, G, acquired via trade
In Yaroslav Askarov, the Sharks have what is, in my opinion, the best goaltender prospect in the world. Askarov dominated for the Barracuda last season, with a 923 save percentage in 22 games, including a 935 save percentage in 6 playoff games. And while his numbers don’t pop off the page at the NHL level, last season, Askarov showed flashes of brilliance behind a horrible defensive team in the Sharks. This season, Askarov’s spot in the crease is assured. The Sharks don’t have much competition at the NHL level outside of veteran backup Alex Nedeljkovic, finally giving the former first-round pick and top prospect his chance to shine at the NHL level. Askarov is a dark horse for the Calder, and although I don’t expect him to be much of a player with the Sharks' defense in front of him, the future of the Sharks' crease is bright.
1 - Michael Misa, C, 1st round 2025 (2)
Finally, to no surprise, we have Michael Misa debuting at number 1. The recent 2nd-overall-pick led the entire OHL in scoring last season. He was the highest scoring OHL draft eligible since Patrick Kane, even drawing comparisons to Macklin Celebrini in the Elite Prospects draft guide. Misa is an electric player and has superstar potential out of the gate for the Sharks. It will be interesting to see what the Sharks do with him this coming season, but I expect he will be in the NHL in a top-nine role, likely on the wing for the time being. This is what Elite Prospects had to say about Michael Misa in their draft guide.
“What really makes him stand out is the way he utilizes a range of depth management to effectively make the most of his wide stance and fluid movements. He has incredible reaction speed and does a good job of controlling himself within the blue paint when he needs to. He’s difficult to pull out of position by holding sustained pressure on his team’s end of the ice.”
With Michael Misa at the top of the pool the Sharks prospect pool once again has a superstar level prospect leading the way for the second straight season, and overall the depth of the pool is as deep as it's ever been. The future is teal and i can't wait to see how these players impact the Sharks for years to come.