The 21 year old right-shot centreman has absolutely dominated the ECAC with Quinnipac University. Last season he posted 59 points in 41 games, this year he followed up that production with 49 points in 34 games. Through his time playing College hockey, his production was just behind that of Logan Cooley and Adam Fantilli.
Over twenty NHL teams were in competition with the Sharks to sign Graf, who's expected to be able to make the jump to the NHL immediately. Graf's expected to join the Sharks in the coming days, and should enter the lineup soon after.
On the part of Graf himself, signing with San Jose is a big bet on his own ability to produce at the NHL level. With the Sharks depleted roster, Graf could play top minutes for the rest of this season, and could be joining the team just as they start to see prospects graduate to the NHL.
The San Jose Sharks finally seem to be making some moves to direct their rebuild on the up for the first time in years, along with the huge trade of Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights. With moves like these and decent drafting, the Sharks could become a problem in the pacific division once again soon.
POLL | ||
AVRIL 4 | 205 ANSWERS Top ranked college free agent Collin Graf signs NHL contract Will the San Jose Sharks make the playoffs in the next three years? | ||
No, still rebuilding | 141 | 68.8 % |
Yes, they'll be much improved | 56 | 27.3 % |
See results | 8 | 3.9 % |
List of polls |