The San Jose Sharks have recalled Collin Graf from the San Jose Barracuda. This comes after Sharks forward William Eklund was placed on the Injured Reserve List.
San Jose Forward Takes Hard Hit
William Eklund took a hard hit on December 23rd against the Vancouver Canucks. The forward never returned during the second or third periods. It was later disclosed that Eklund had suffered an upper body injury.
It is a positive sign that Eklund has resumed skating. Yet, he has missed three games as he goes into the new year. His return is still undisclosed.
San Jose Rookie Gets Called To The Big Leagues
The #SJSharks have recalled F Collin Graf from the @sjbarracuda. Graf is tied for first among @TheAHL rookies with 26 points on the year, leads the group with 20 assists.
In a corresponding move, F William Eklund has been placed on injured reserve.
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) December 31, 2024
Graf was recalled before the Barracuda made their roadtrip to San Diego. It was questionable if whether he would play the Philadelphia Flyers on December 31st.
At the end of the day, he was not in the lineup but will potentially make an appearance on January 2nd when the Sharks take on the Tampa Bay Lighting.
The Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky believes that Graf has earned this achievment. “Since Mike Grier came in we’ve really talked a lot about is you got to earn what you get. And I think Colin Graf has earned this call-up.”
Graf is second in scoring for the Barracuda with a total of 26 points. In the 29 games he has played, he has 20 assists and six goals. He is also tied for second in scoring among all AHL Rookies. Graf made his debut last season where he had seven assists in two games.
San Jose Rookie’s Impressive College Career
Graf spent time playing NCAA Hockey for Quinnipiac University. He has not signed a three year deal with the Sharks Franchise.
During the 2022-2023 season he played in 41 games where he had 21 goals and 38 assists. The following season he only played in 34 games and recorded 22 goals and 27 assists.
His achievements throughout his career in hockey are impressive. He made the ECAC First All-Star Team in 2023 and 2024.
Graf was on the NCAA East First All-American Team in 2023 as well as the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team in 2023. In 2024 he was the ECAC Player of the Year. Lastly, he was on the NCAA East Second All-American Team in 2024.
Potential Impact Will The Rookie Have On The Sharks Game
Collin Graf goes 1 on 5 for the shorty🚨 pic.twitter.com/vidI6N2thT
— SJ Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) December 29, 2024
Graf has been a key player for the Barracuda this season. He is a great penalty killer which will be beneficial to the Sharks. Warsofsky mentioned that he will not hesitate to use Graf on the PK.
His ability to take on his opponents and score is very impressive. In a recent game he scored a short handed goal while being outnumbered, one verse five. Graf has stated that he has continued to work on his game and even call on his college coach for advice.
His presence on the ice will provide much needed depth for the Sharks. It is not known as to what line Graf will join. It has been stated that he could join fellow rookies, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. He would be replacing Fabian Zetterlund at left wing if that occurs.
Sharks End 2024 On Bad Note
The Sharks have ended 2024 with their eighth straight loss. They will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 2nd. With new talent in the lineup, they might be able to turn the new year around.
Main Photo: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
