San Jose Sharks Rumors: GM Speaks On Potential 1st-Round Selection

The San Jose Sharks' first-round selection in the upcoming NHL draft appears to be a choice between two promising prospects: Will Smith and Matvei Michkov.

General Manager Mike Grier has indicated that they are considering both players for the No. 4 pick.

Backhand, forehand, back of the net. Will Smith. Top 5 NHL draft pick on my list.
🎥:@USAHockeyNTDP pic.twitter.com/GFzjF6fmho

— mnhshockeytalk (@mnhshockeytalk) January 29, 2023

Grier mentioned that his son had the opportunity to attend high school with Will Smith for a year, highlighting a personal connection and familiarity there.

However, Grier also addressed the contract situation surrounding Michkov, assuring that it would not prevent the Sharks from drafting him, despite his contract running until 2025-26.

Matvei Michkov, welcome to the Arizona Coyotes pic.twitter.com/KbE5rUMNk1

— OG 🌵 (@comehomeAM34) May 9, 2023

As the draft approaches, the Sharks will carefully evaluate both prospects before making their final decision.

This past season, with HK Sochi of the KHL, Michkov recorded an impressive nine goals and 11 assists across 27 games. 

Will Smith, on the other hand, amassed 51 goals and 127 points over 60 games with the U.S. National U18 Team, and 15 goals and 42 points across 20 games with the USNTDP Juniors.