In Episode 208, Paul and Aaron review a busy week for the San Jose Sharks, highlighted by a major collegiate signing and a historic performance from a local goaltender.
Collin Graf Signs with the Sharks
The episode focuses heavily on the Sharks beating out roughly 25 other teams to sign top collegiate free agent Collin Graf from Quinnipiac.
- The Pursuit: The hosts discuss the intensity of the sweepstakes for Graf, noting that the Sharks’ ability to offer immediate NHL playing time and a clear path in the rebuild was a major factor in his decision.
- Player Profile: Graf is described as a high-IQ player who has dominated the collegiate level, with the hosts expressing excitement about his potential fit alongside other young talents like Will Smith and Quentin Musty.
- Immediate Impact: The signing is viewed as a significant “win” for General Manager Mike Grier, further proving that San Jose remains an attractive destination for top-tier young talent despite the team’s current standings.
Devin Cooley’s First NHL Win
The hosts celebrate a “hometown hero” moment as Bay Area native Devin Cooley secured his first career NHL victory.
- Local Significance: Growing up in Los Gatos and playing for the Junior Sharks, Cooley’s win is hailed as a monumental moment for the growth of hockey in Northern California.
- Performance: The hosts breakdown his stellar play, noting his composure and the emotional weight of winning a game for his childhood team in front of friends and family.
The State of the Rebuild
The conversation turns to a broader analysis of the Sharks’ rebuild, particularly in response to critics who claim it isn’t going well.
- “Scorched Earth” Strategy: Paul and Aaron compare the Sharks’ approach to that of the Chicago Blackhawks, arguing that while it isn’t a “fire sale” of every asset, the accumulation of young talent in the last year has been “astonishing.”
- The Talent Pipeline: A featured tweet from Big Head Hockey is discussed, listing the influx of youth including Will Smith, Quentin Musty, Fabian Zetterlund, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and multiple first-round picks.
- Rock Bottom?: Aaron suggests this season represents the “rock bottom” of the rebuild and that the only direction from here is up as these young players begin to matriculate into the NHL lineup.
Game Reviews
- Sharks vs. Kings: A “boring slugfest” where the Sharks lost 2-1, notable for the team once again giving up two goals in quick succession, this time just 30 seconds apart.
- Vegas Rivalry: The hosts lament seeing former Shark Tomas Hertl in a Vegas Golden Knights jersey, noting that the rivalry with Vegas has effectively surpassed the historical rivalry with Los Angeles.
