Every year at the draft, we see players rise and fall throughout the draft; usually, we have a player go way higher than anyone expected. Last year, that was Beckett Sennecke going 3rd overall to the Ducks. Is there a player in this draft that could have a Beckett Sennecke-like rise and go way higher than expected, and could it be the Sharks at 2nd overall who “reach” on a player they really love? While I don’t think there will necessarily be a surprise as shocking as Senneke, some interesting players after the usual suspects could be in the discussion for the Sharks pick.
Caleb Desnoyers
Caleb Desnoyers is a very interesting prospect who I have seen talked about at the top of the draft, often ranging from 3-6 in various mock drafts. Currently, The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has him ranked 4th in his most recent ranking, while TSN’s Bob Mckenzie has him ranked 6th. It would certainly be surprising to see him go 2nd overall to the Sharks, but not a massive reach. Desnoyers is also a perfect Mike Grier player; Desnoyers is a high-IQ center with an excellent track record in the playoffs. Desnoyers has led Moncton to the Memorial Cup playoffs, scoring 30 points in 19 games, and is the best player on the team despite being their youngest player. The 6 '2 center plays an intelligent and physical game that should project well to the NHL and could be a playoff-caliber 2C for the Sharks behind Celebrini. These attributes could make him the Sharks pick in June.
Anton Frondell
It has been an up-and-down year for Frondell, who at the beginning of the year would very much expect to be in the conversation for 2nd overall. After a slow start and injuries plaguing the first half of his season, Frondell hit his stride in the 2nd half for Djurgarden. Frondell has been very polarizing as a prospect. In his most recent ranking, Craig Button had Frondell ranked 3rd, while Elite Prospects ranked him 12th. Personally, I fall in the middle with Frondell, but he is definitely not out of play at 2nd overall, even if I don't see it as likely. The Swedish center has a wicked shot that can beat goalies with ease and a pro-ready frame that NHL GMs love. While he has the physical tools to play Center at the NHL, I do think he is eventually destined for the wing at the next level, as he lacks the speed and playmaking ability you want in a top center but does have the ability to find space and get lost in coverage that makes him dangerous with his shot. If the Sharks view Frondell as the type of player they don’t have in their organization and see a fit with playmakers like Celebrini, Smith, and Eklund, they could make Frondell the pick.
Radim Mrtka
The final player I want to talk about is Radim Mrtka. Mrtka is a hulking 6 '6 right-handed defender who plays for Seattle of the WHL and would undoubtedly be a draft-day stunner if he was selected 2nd overall. While it is unrealistic that the Sharks take Mrtka at 2nd overall as it is well outside his range, he does fill the biggest void in the Shark's system, being the right side of their defense. Mrtka also adds traits that the Sharks lack in the system. His size and defensive prowess are something the Sharks sorely need. Mrtka, while not an offensive powerhouse, has also shown an ability to move pucks and has above-average skating skills for someone his size. He has the potential to be a top shutdown defender, which the Sharks lack on the back end. Mrtka could also form a dynamic pair with Sam Dickinson down the line, which would give opposing teams nightmares trying to score against them. Mrtka would be a key ingredient for the Sharks, and while it would be a massive reach, there is a ton of logic behind Mrtka’s fit with the Sharks.
While all these scenarios are unlikely to happen, it is what is fun about the draft season. You never know what will happen, and the Sharks could surprise everybody on draft day if they decide to go against the consensus. if there was ever a draft for it to happen, it is probably a 2025 draft that has more variation at the top than your typical year.