Collin Graf: A Glimmer of Hope for the San Jose Sharks
In a move that’s caught the eye of hockey enthusiasts everywhere, the San Jose Sharks have secured a promising talent, Collin Graf, on a three-year entry-level contract. This significant acquisition marks a hopeful advance for a team in desperate need of rejuvenation. Graf, a standout forward from the Quinnipiac Bobcats, has not only demonstrated his prowess on the ice with an impressive 49 points in 34 games last season but also showcased his potential to be a great middle 6 guy in the NHL.
Who is Collin Graf?
Graf, at 21 years old standing tall at 6 foot 1, has had a commendable journey through NCAA hockey. With a stint at Union College and two seasons at Quinnipiac under his belt, Graf’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. His latest season, boasting 49 points, underscores a forward with not only skill but a keen sense for the game—a necessity for the Sharks as they navigate through a challenging phase.
Collin Graf: Photo Courtesy of ECAC Hockey
Collin will be heading far from where he grew up, Born in Lincoln, MA, Collin grew up playing for the Boston Jr. Bruins in the USPHL before playing in the NCDC and then heading to the NCAA after going undrafted in the NHL Draft.
The Contract Details
The details of Graf’s contract with the Sharks are as follows: for the 2023-24 season, he’ll earn an $830K NHL salary plus a $95K signing bonus and an additional $25K bonus after five games played. The subsequent two years will see a salary increase to $855K, with the same signing bonus and a significant $500K performance bonus. With a cap hit of $942K and an AAV of $1.28M, Graf’s acquisition is a calculated investment for the Sharks, signaling a strategic move towards rebuilding a competitive team.
Why This Matters for the Sharks
The San Jose Sharks, currently trailing in the Pacific Division with only 17 wins in 74 games, continue to try and build for the future. Graf could be another piece to the massive puzzle that GM Mike Grier is putting together. His inclusion in the final games of the season, despite the Sharks’ elimination from playoff contention, is a great chance for the kid to prove his abilities and for the Sharks to evaluate how he can help the team progress next season.
A Fresh Start
Many teams were vying for Graf’s signature, a testament to his perceived value and potential impact in the NHL. His decision to sign with the Sharks is not just a win for the team but a beacon of hope for fans looking forward to a revitalized roster and hopefully seeing a competitive team in San Jose soon.
As the Sharks welcome Collin Graf, the anticipation among fans is excited. Will Graf be the dynamo to lead the Sharks through their rebuild? Only time will tell. However, one thing is clear: the Sharks are making a lot of great moves to get younger and better. Graf had the option to sign with any team that sent him an offer, so for him to choose the Sharks means that he trusts what is being built there and he believes that’s what is best for his career.