The San Jose Sharks have signed Quinnipiac College ahead Collin Graf, thought-about the highest NCAA free agent this season.
The Sharks signed him to an entry degree deal that may start instantly within the 2023-24 season.
“His on-ice consciousness permits him to course of the sport at a excessive degree, and is a singular participant with a high quality 200-foot recreation who excels within the offensive zone. We’re excited to have him be part of the group,” Sharks GM Mike Grier mentioned.
An NHL supply mentioned Graf’s camp preferred the chance to compete for a spot within the NHL with the Sharks in coaching camp whereas burning a yr of his entry-level deal this season.
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Graf, 21, is understood for his artistic playmaking potential. He led the Bobcats with 49 factors in 34 video games, together with 22 targets. He was a prime 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award for 2 straight seasons at Quinnipiac, the glory given to the highest NCAA males’s ice hockey participant. Graf helped the Bobcats win the NCAA nationwide championship within the 2022-23 season as a sophomore, scoring a third-period, game-tying purpose with 2:47 remaining in regulation to drive time beyond regulation.
He began his school hockey profession at Union School in 2021-22.
Graf was by no means drafted by an NHL crew. After the Bobcats had been eradicated by Boston School within the second spherical of the 2024 NCAA Div. I males’s hockey event, Graf’s consideration turned towards persevering with his profession within the NHL as a university free agent.
Among the many groups all in favour of signing Graf had been the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and the Nashville Predators, with whom he attended growth camp final summer season. However ultimately, the Sharks gained out.
Graf ought to have some fast possibilities to play in San Jose. The Sharks are final within the NHL with a .284 factors share and a minus-133 purpose differential. They’ve eight video games remaining on their schedule.
