Episodes
With the NHL Draft lottery next week, Jack Bushman of Locked on Blackhawks joins to discuss the lottery and what Macklin Celebrini would bring to each franchise if they win. We examine how the Chicago Blackhawks would have one of the best young center combos in the NHL and how Celebrini would bring much-needed juice to the San Jose Sharks organization. Then, where does each team look if they do not win the lottery? We discussed our favorite prospects, including Ivan Demidov, Zeev Buium, and...
Published 05/02/24
William Eklund finished his first full season in the NHL. How does it compare to other San Jose Sharks' greats first full seasons? Start by reviewing Eklund's first full season, how he was utilized in all situations, where his scoring came from, and his experiment at center. Then, how did Eklund's age 21 season compare to Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, and Timo Meier's first full seasons? Plus, who he played with compared to Couture, Hertl, and Timo in their first seasons. Finally, what does...
Published 05/01/24
Armed with 4 potential draft picks in the top 42, Mike Grier and the San Jose Sharks have all the ammo to move around the draft board. If they wanted to move up from the 14th pick they received from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Erik Karlsson trade, how far can they move up? Start with what the Sharks currently have based on a draft pick value chart and how this compares to the 2023 NHL Draft. Then, look at historic trades and how a trade like this has been rare over the past 20 years. Next,...
Published 04/30/24
Fabian Zetterlund had his breakout season this year for the San Jose Sharks. Can he improve on it? Start by analyzing Zetterlund's statistics and why he made the leap, especially after what Sharks fans had seen at the end of the 2022-23 season. Then, look at what's next for Zetterlund and why a 35-goal season isn't out of the question, especially if The Lund Line continues next year. Finally, why is Zetterlund's next contract going to be interesting in the Sharks' rebuild as Zetterlund takes...
Published 04/29/24
Now that David Quinn is gone, how did the San Jose Sharks perform during his tenure behind the bench? Start by looking at how the San Jose Sharks statistics over the past two seasons stacked against the rest of the league and how Quinn might have underperformed despite the roster. Then, Nico Sturm's exit interview could have given clues to what was going on behind the scenes and if Quinn's system wasn't putting the Sharks in the best position to succeed this season. Finally, what qualities...
Published 04/26/24
The San Jose Sharks have fired Head Coach David Quinn after two seasons. React to why the news was initially surprising, why it makes sense for Mike Grier and the Sharks to move on now, and how important the next hire is for the Sharks so they don't become the next perpetually rebuilding team. Next, what did Mike Grier say in his media availability, why Quinn's record wasn't the deciding factor in the move, and if this was more about connecting with the players in the dressing room? Also,...
Published 04/24/24
It's time for the first Locked on Sharks NHL Mock Draft. Using the FC Hockey Mock Draft simulator, take a crack at three different versions of the first two rounds, where the Sharks would target a forward at 14 with the Pittsburgh Penguins pick and then try and add defense with their picks in the second round. Then, what would the mock draft look like if the San Jose Sharks targeted a defenseman with the Penguin's pick? Finally, what would a pure best-player available mock draft look like...
Published 04/24/24
Mikael Granlund was on the verge of being bought out by the Pittsburgh Penguins before his trade to the San Jose Sharks. What a difference in scenery can do for a career. Granlund posted a career-high in time on ice and led the Sharks in points. Can Granlund continue to replicate Tomas Hertl's production? Review Granlund's season and what made him so successful this year, and look at the analytics behind his production. Then, ask if Granlund can continue to replicate Hertl's production for a...
Published 04/23/24
The San Jose Sharks enter the 2024 offseason with several big questions as they look to build after one of the worst seasons in modern NHL history. Look at three big questions that Mike Grier and the Sharks face this offseason, including how they infuse more quality NHL talent onto the roster. Discuss why it's important for Grier to add quality veteran pieces this offseason and the latest news on whether Will Smith will sign his ELC. Then, examine the next big question about the Sharks: how...
Published 04/22/24
The San Jose Sharks 2023-24 season has mercifully come to a close. Start with how tough of a season this has been for Sharks' fans and the hope that this will be rock bottom for the fanbase and franchise in their rebuild. Look at some of the statistics for the team, including the 10th-worst goal differential in NHL history and who finished as points leaders on the team. Then, look at what is next for the Sharks, why they need to start building things up after this season, and what to expect...
Published 04/19/24
San Jose Sharks goalie Devin Cooley joins the show to discuss his path back to San Jose. We start with the craziness of the past month, who his favorite player growing up was, and who is on his goalie Mt. Rushmore. We discuss being a walk-on at the University of Denver, taking advantage of every opportunity, and his early days in the AHL and ECHL with Nashville and Florida. We also converse about the trade that brought him to San Jose, winning his first game, if Thomas Speer is a wizard and...
Published 04/18/24
Is Konsta Helenius just Finnish William Eklund? Alex Appleyard of Smaht Scouting joins to profile the Mikkelin Jukurit forward and what makes him such an intriguing player. We discuss Helenius' high-end hockey IQ, his ability to read plays, and how he needs to continue to work on his skating as he progresses. Then, we examine his timeline before he jumps to the NHL, where he would fit into the Sharks prospect pool and a comparison between Helenius and Mikael Granlund. Finally, how does Alex...
Published 04/17/24
With the NHL playoffs almost decided, what is the scenario for the San Jose Sharks to get the best possible pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins? Look at how the Sharks can still get pick number twelve heading into the NHL Draft lottery and what that would require from a slew of Eastern Conference teams. Then, what did my ballot look like with the San Jose Sharks announcing their yearly awards? Discuss why Mackenzie Blackwood was my choice for player of the year and how I would rank the San Jose...
Published 04/16/24
The San Jose Sharks have officially claimed the title as the worst team in the NHL with their 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. With the loss, they've locked up the top odds to win the NHL Draft lottery and the right to draft presumed first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Start by discussing how this was one of the season's goals, and while it was a long and tough season for the Sharks, it was the right decision. Then, Will Smith finished his freshman season at Boston College with a 2-0 loss to...
Published 04/15/24
Locked On Sharks podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the San Jose Sharks and the National Hockey League.
Published 04/12/24
Devin Cooley had the performance of a lifetime, stopping 49 of 50 shots in the San Jose Sharks' 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. Start by examining how dominant Cooley was in the win and why Mike Grier would be wise to bring him back for next season. Then, William Eklund continued establishing himself as a star with another two points and has been a point-per-game player since his return to wing. Next, how the Sharks stole a win despite being severely outplayed by the Kraken and how the Lund...
Published 04/12/24
With the season winding down, what should San Jose Sharks fans root for in the final week of the season? Start with the Sharks' path to locking up the top odds heading into the NHL Draft lottery and why it's more likely than not that the Sharks will clinch those sooner rather than later, plus a peek at the New Jerseys Devils schedule and where the Timo Meier second round pick could end up. Next, even with the Pittsburgh Penguins playing better as of late, there is still a very feasible path...
Published 04/11/24
The San Jose Sharks continued their march to the best odds to draft Macklin Celebrini with another blown lead. This time, losing 3-2 in overtime to the Calgary Flames. Start with where the Sharks sit in the Tank Standings and what would need to happen for them to lose their spot. Then, with William Eklund notching his 16th goal of the season, could 20 be a realistic possibility? And where does his improved shot put his ceiling? Next, analyze the numbers behind the game and how the Sharks'...
Published 04/10/24
The San Jose Sharks have added a lot of talent to their prospect pool over the last few seasons. Could Michael Brandsegg-Nygård be the perfect fit to play with Will Smith and Quentin Musty? Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News joins the show to profile the Norwegian forward playing for Mora IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan. We examine what makes Brandsegg-Nygård intriguing and why he is the perfect glue guy on a line. Next, we examine Brandsegg-Nygård's timeline for development and where he'd fit in...
Published 04/09/24
William Eklund's first career hat trick powered the San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues. In a LIVE edition of Locked on Sharks, discuss how Eklund has arrived this season and how this moment has been one that we are waiting for. Look at how each of the goals he scored was based on something that he has developed over the past two years, including his one-timer, nose at the net, and confidence to shoot more. Then, how special of a moment for Bay Area native Devin...
Published 04/07/24
The San Jose Sharks offense was put to sleep by the LA Kings as they lost 2-1. Start with how ineffective the Sharks' offense was against a Kings team looking to get two points as efficiently as possible and how the Sharks lines performed against the Kings in one of the lowest event hockey games of the season. Then, review Filip Bystedt's AHL debut with the San Jose Barracuda and how we saw flashes of what to expect from Bystedt and his ability to score up close and show off his shot. Also,...
Published 04/05/24
Macklin Celebrini is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. What is a franchise getting in Celebrini? Will Scouch joins to profile the Boston University center as we discuss why Celebrini's game has few holes in it and if the pain that has been the 2023-24 season is worth it for Celebrini for San Jose Sharks fans? We also examine where Celerini would have fit into the 2023 NHL Draft class, if he is going straight to the NHL, and bringing along Will Smith and Celebrini...
Published 04/04/24
The San Jose Sharks newest prospect, Jack Thompson, joins the show. We discuss Thompson's path to San Jose, including his favorite player growing up, being part of the 2020 NHL Draft process, and playing against many San Jose Sharks prospects in the OHL. Then, we discuss his AHL All-Star game experience, the trade that brought him from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Sharks, and get to know Jack off the ice. Finally, look at who the San Jose Barracuda could have patrolling their blue line next...
Published 04/03/24