Locked On Sharks - Daily Podcast On The San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks prioritize blue-line potential with Keaton Verhoeff’s selection at ninth overall. Can the 6’4” defenseman’s toolset and physical play translate into a future NHL cornerstone—or will skating concerns hold him back?

JD Young breaks down Verhoeff’s challenging first NCAA season with North Dakota, exploring the prospect’s booming shot, defensive strengths, and areas for improvement. Key discussion points include NHL equivalency projections, Verhoeff’s physicality against top college talent, and comparisons to fellow prospects like Sam Dickinson. Will focused development and more NCAA experience unlock Verhoeff’s two-way upside, or is a long-term project...

San Jose Sharks face pivotal questions as Yaroslav Askarov battles inconsistency in his rookie NHL season. Can the highly touted goaltender develop into the franchise’s long-term solution, or will defensive breakdowns hinder his progress? JD Young breaks down Askarov’s rollercoaster year, spotlighting moments of brilliance offset by struggles with mid-range saves and a heavy workload from San Jose’s leaky defense.

Key topics include Askarov’s statistical highs and lows, the impact of the Sharks’ off-season moves to strengthen the blue line, and what it will take for the young netminder to deliver steady, game-winning performanc...

San Jose Sharks shake up their blue line by acquiring Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers—can the veteran defenseman rediscover his form in the Bay Area? JD Young uncovers why the Oilers were eager to move Nurse, examining his controversial $9.25 million contract, fit within the Sharks’ defensive core, and the expectations for his role alongside talents like Sam Dickinson and Dmitry Orlov.

Special guest Nick from Locked On Oilers reveals what truly went wrong in Edmonton, highlighting Nurse’s inconsistent decision-making, his past success in offensive roles, and the challenge of living up to a massive contra...

San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini shatters franchise records in a breakout sophomore season, fueling whispers of a new NHL superstar era. Can Celebrini keep raising the bar as captain—and lead the Sharks back to playoff contention?

Host JD Young breaks down Celebrini’s 45-goal, 115-point campaign, his electric performances against elite opposition, and his transformation into the offensive engine for San Jose. The episode explores Celebrini’s clutch moments, defensive growth, Team Canada heroics alongside Connor McDavid, and skyrocketing expectations as he prepares to wear the “C.” Key questions include the Sharks’ playoff chances, the trajectory of young stars...

San Jose Barracuda reload with veteran firepower as Eric Comrie, Alex Barré-Boulet, and Brett Leason headline a wave of key offseason signings—can these proven AHL and NHL contributors propel the team to Pacific Division dominance? JD Young spotlights how this influx of experience, including Ty Felhaber and defensive anchors Roland McKeown and Libor Hájek, signals a bold organizational push for consistency and depth across every position.

Goaltending depth stands out with Comrie and Kyle Keyser providing stability, while Barré-Boulet brings top-line scoring to complement young talents like Quentin Musty and Cam Lund. JD Young...

San Jose Sharks fans have reason to celebrate as Ivar Stenberg—hailed as a future star—prepares to make his NHL debut. Can the soon-to-be 19-year-old left winger’s elite hockey IQ, relentless motor, and transition skills fast-track him into a top producer role? Stenberg’s standout SHL and international performances already draw comparisons to greats like Peter Forsberg and the Sedin twins, fueling excitement about his high floor and sky-high ceiling among elite prospects.

JD Young breaks down Stenberg’s strengths in playmaking, puck protection, and two-way game, and explores how quickly he might join Macklin Celebrini...

San Jose Sharks face pivotal questions after 19-year-old defenseman Sam Dickinson’s rollercoaster rookie NHL season. Can Dickinson unlock his London Knights-level offensive game while solidifying his role in San Jose’s blue line structure? JD Young assesses whether the 2024 first-round pick met expectations, pointing to his respectable defensive progression and penalty kill usage but flagging lagging offensive production—just one goal and 13 assists in 72 games.

Key topics include Dickinson’s evolving minutes, power play opportunities, and the search for his ideal defensive partner—potentially Michael Kesselring—as the Sharks eye internal development. With competition from prospects like Verhoef...

San Jose Sharks reshape their blue line with the addition of Jacob Trouba—can his physical presence and veteran leadership ignite a defensive turnaround in the Bay Area? JD Young breaks down Trouba’s recent play with the Anaheim Ducks, his contract details, and what Sharks fans can expect from the 6'3" right-handed defenseman as he joins forces with youngsters like Sam Dickinson and Luca Cagnoni.

Key topics include Trouba’s on-ice role, expected minutes, and the importance of pairing him with an offensively-minded partner to maximize his strengths. The discussion explores GM Mike Grier’s vision for the...

San Jose Sharks gear up for a breakout season as Will Smith emerges as an elite offensive force. Can he fine-tune his defensive game and become a true two-way weapon alongside Macklin Celebrini? Smith’s 24-goal, 59-point campaign in just 69 games marked a massive leap—raising expectations for a 30 to 35 goal season, especially with a retooled power play and improved chemistry on the top line.

JD Young breaks down Smith’s evolving role on the wing, his impressive primary assist rates, and the ongoing search for a stable third linemate. Analysis covers the Sharks’ roster rotation, the future i...

San Jose Sharks face a seismic shift as Leo Carlson’s blockbuster $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers resets the NHL’s contract landscape. With Carlson poised to become the league’s highest-paid player, all eyes turn to Macklin Celebrini and how this move could redefine superstar negotiations. Can the Sharks keep their franchise cornerstone satisfied—or will contract drama derail their rebuild?

JD Young breaks down the ripple effects for San Jose, spotlighting GM Mike Grier’s urgent need to lock in the rising core before another team swoops in. The analysis covers the Ducks’ stalled nego...

San Jose Sharks land Mason Marchment in a surprise free agency coup—could his gritty style be the missing piece for their top line? Marchment’s proven mix of size, skill, and a relentless forechecking presence might finally elevate the Sharks alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, offering San Jose a versatile forward who thrives in the cycle and creates space against powerhouse teams like the Vegas Golden Knights.

JD Young breaks down Marchment’s five-year contract, his potential fit on the wing, and the impact on rising stars such as Igor Chernyshov, Quentin Musty, and Ivar Stenbe...

San Jose Sharks fans get an early look at their future as Ivar Stenberg officially signs his entry-level contract and dominates the prospect scrimmage with NHL-ready poise. Could Stenberg emerge as a Calder Trophy frontrunner and the missing piece alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith?

JD Young breaks down Stenberg’s eye-catching performance, Mike Grier’s bold free agency moves—headlined by Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba—and the strategic focus on insulating young stars. Plus, rising prospects like Haoxi Wang and Max Heise turn heads, while new additions like Mason Marchment bring grit to the roster. Can this...

San Jose Sharks shake up the blue line, landing Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba on hefty contracts while bringing hometown favorite Mason Marchment back to the Bay. Are these aggressive free agency moves a sign the Sharks are eyeing a playoff push, or could they backfire as costly missteps down the road?

JD Young reacts to the surprising Darnell Nurse trade, examining asset management concerns and the impact of Nurse's $9.25M deal. The analysis covers Trouba's fit as a locker room leader, Marchment’s emotional return to wear his late father’s number, and the under-the-radar signing of g...

San Jose Sharks gear up for a pivotal free agency period as bold predictions fly—could Morgan Rielly be heading to the Bay Area? With Mario Ferraro rumored to attract a massive deal and John Klingberg hitting the open market, the Sharks face major decisions on their blue line and goaltending depth while seeking upgrades in a lackluster free agent class.

The conversation focused on possible moves, from targeting forward reinforcements like Matias Maccelli to signing AHL-caliber goalies that could step in when injuries hit. Key themes include how GM Mike Grier might address defensive woes, explore tr...

San Jose Sharks prepare for a pivotal free agency period with significant cap space and a clear focus on strengthening their blue line. Michael Kesselring signs a three-year, $4.5 million AAV contract, aiming to bounce back from a tough, injury-riddled season and cement his role as a top-four defenseman. The episode examines Kesselring’s fit under coach Ryan Warsofsky, his candid insights on recovery, and his relationship with Sharks veterans and prospects.

JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ latest qualifying offers, including retaining Collin Graf and Shakir Mukhamadullin while parting ways with Philipp Kurashev and goalie Gabe Carriere. Key...

San Jose Sharks receive A+ draft grades, positioning themselves as future Stanley Cup contenders. With Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, and Ryan Lin joining the ranks, is this the franchise-defining draft haul fans have been waiting for?

JD Young highlights top accolades from ESPN, The Athletic, Daily Face Off, Hockey News, Elite Prospects, and Bleacher Report, emphasizing the Sharks’ savvy asset management and bold moves to secure elite first-round talent. The episode breaks down each expert’s perspective on Stenberg’s high ceiling as a winger, Verhoff’s upside on defense, and Lynn’s hockey IQ—plus the intrigue sur...

San Jose Sharks shake up their future by selecting towering defenseman Alexander Karmanov and standout goalie Brady Knowling during the 2026 NHL Draft. Could this bold strategy revamp their roster and position them among the Western Conference’s rising contenders? JD Young highlights the Sharks’ high-upside picks, including hometown forward Jake Gustafson, and breaks down how each prospect fits into the team’s vision—plus a detailed look at Karmanov’s unprecedented 7’1” frame and Knowling’s potential as Team USA’s future World Juniors netminder.

JD Young examines the impact of Zach Ostapchuk’s four-year extension, the bottom six’s evolving dynam...

San Jose Sharks dominate the NHL Draft, landing three elite prospects and igniting hopes for a franchise resurgence. Is Mike Grier orchestrating the league’s most impressive rebuild?

JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ bold moves, including selecting superstar forward Stenberg (touted as Greer’s top player), snagging highly-rated defenseman Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9, and aggressively trading up for dynamic blueliner Ryan Lin. Key analysis covers Stenberg’s NHL readiness, Verhoeff’s high-ceiling development path in North Dakota, and Lin’s versatile skill set headed to the University of Denver. Insightful discussion highlights San Jose’s draft strategy, the...

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With the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks take defenceman Keaton Verhoeff of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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San Jose Sharks face a draft night dilemma: what if all top defensemen are gone at pick No. 9? JD Young explores bold strategies, from trading down with the St. Louis Blues to double-dipping at picks 15 and 16, to the possibility of packaging No. 9 and No. 27 to move up for an elite blueliner like Chase Reid or Carson Carels. With emerging names like Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, and Daxon Rudolph factoring into the equation, is Sharks GM Mike Grier ready to shake up his rebuild with a blockbuster move?

Mock draft insights from Craig Button, Scott Wheeler, and others...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal NHL Draft moment with the number nine pick—can they land a franchise-altering defenseman? JD Young spotlights top prospects Daxon Rudolph, Keaton Verhoeff, and Alberts Smits, each offering a unique blend of talent and risk. Will the high-octane offense of Rudolph elevate the Sharks’ blue line, or does Verhoeff’s raw upside and bold NCAA leap make him the ultimate swing for the future?

The debate heats up as Smits' mature, shutdown play in pro leagues positions him as a “sure thing” for immediate impact, even against men. Young compares their strengths—...

San Jose Sharks signal a bold rebuild strategy as GM Mike Grier commits to drafting the best player available, eyeing Ivar Stenberg with the No. 2 overall pick. Could this draft be the turning point for a struggling franchise? JD Young breaks down Grier’s media availability, exploring the implications of the William Eklund trade and the team’s approach to free agency and RFA negotiations.

Key topics include potential contracts for Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Collin Graf, as well as updates on the futures of Shakir Mukhamadullin and Vincent Desharnais. Insightful analysis of the Sharks’ blue-line overha...

San Jose Sharks shake up their rebuild by trading William Eklund and two prospects to the Ottawa Senators for the coveted ninth overall pick—what’s next for the Bay Area franchise? JD Young reacts to losing a core forward and explores whether the Sharks will use that pick, target a big-name defenseman, or continue flipping assets before the NHL Draft.

Analysis spotlights the emergence of Swedish standout Ivar Stenberg as the likely top draft target, the implications for San Jose’s ultra-young forward group, and options like Daxon Rudolph or Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9. Young breaks down M...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal NHL Draft week, as the debate heats up between selecting Ivar Stenberg or Chase Reid with the No. 2 overall pick. Will Mike Grier’s front office lean toward a high-skill winger or a franchise-altering defenseman? The prospect pipeline brims with talent, but key choices at No. 2 and No. 27 could define the Sharks’ rebuild and future playoff ambitions.

JD Young highlights mock drafts from top analysts, dissecting the cases for Stenberg’s elite two-way game versus Reid’s transformational blue-line presence. The episode explores secondary options such as Adam Goljer, Nikita Klepov, Ryder Ca...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal offseason as GM Mike Grier targets blue line upgrades and looks to solidify the team’s competitive future. With Michael Kesselring already acquired, can the Sharks overhaul their defense enough to support their young core and finally turn the corner? The conversation focused on realistic free agent and trade options, emphasizing the need for both immediate impact and long-term stability.

A key theme that emerged was patience—resisting flashy, short-term moves in favor of sticking to the rebuild plan. The discussion explored why locking in foundational pieces like Macklin Celebrini and Will...

San Jose Sharks bolster their prospect pool with the acquisition of Andre Gasseau from the Boston Bruins. Will Gasseau’s size and physical play earn him a shot at the NHL roster or is he destined to become a key depth piece for the Barracuda? JD Young dissects the Sharks’ draft-day move, breaks down Gasseau’s NCAA stats at Boston College, and explores his projected role as a shoot-first, middle-six centerman with strong defensive instincts.

The episode spotlights potential first-round targets for San Jose at pick 27, including high-upside names like Tommy Bleyl, Nikita Klepov, and the prolific Ruck t...

San Jose Sharks overhaul their roster in a simulated offseason, shaking up the depth chart with major acquisitions and bold signings. Can JD Young’s GM moves—featuring additions like Simone Nemec, Michael Kesselring, and Jacob Trouba—spark a turnaround and set up the Sharks for long-term success?

Key topics include Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini securing big extensions, draft priorities headlined by Chase Reed, and strategic trades to revamp the blue line. JD Young spotlights cap flexibility, breakout potential for prospects like Michael Misa and William Eklund, and lingering questions about the Sharks’ top-six winger depth and defe...

San Jose Sharks shake up their blue line by acquiring Michael Kesselring from the Buffalo Sabres, moving down from pick 20 to 27 in the upcoming NHL Draft. Is this the bold move GM Mike Grier promised to revitalize the defense? JD Young breaks down Kesselring's fit as a potential second-pairing defenseman, his disappointing stint in Buffalo, and why a bounce-back season may be in the cards after his impressive performance with the Utah Mammoth.

Discussion centers on the trade's value, Kesselring’s defensive analytics, and contract projections as an RFA with arbitration rights. Key topics include the blue li...

San Jose Sharks face a franchise-defining draft as a simulated offseason heats up—will chasing blue line upside finally pay off? With Chase Reid projected as the number two pick, the conversation focuses on whether stacking high-end defensemen like Simon Nemec and Reed is the key to San Jose’s resurgence or a risky play that could backfire.

Mock draft strategies embrace Mike Grier’s drafting philosophy—prioritizing size, motor, and positional value—while exploring the importance of goaltending depth and under-the-radar prospects like Samu Alalauri, Adam Andersson, and Nikolai Nikulshin. The discussion examines how trades, including the Simone...

San Jose Sharks redefine their future with Macklin Celebrini’s landmark draft day. Could this franchise-altering moment finally put the Stanley Cup within reach for the teal faithful?

JD Young celebrates Locked On’s 10th anniversary by counting down the top 10 moments in San Jose Sharks history since 2020, from nail-biting NHL Draft debates and William Eklund’s dramatic “hat trick on hat day” to high-stakes trades like the Yaroslav Askarov acquisition. Relive the thrill of winning the draft lottery, the unforgettable comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and insider stories from covering the Nashville Draft. Young spotlights how players li...

San Jose Sharks overhaul their blue line with the headline signing of Jacob Trouba and a blockbuster trade for rising star Simon Nemec. Will these high-impact moves finally stabilize the Sharks’ defense and spark a new era in San Jose? JD Young breaks down a simulated offseason that sees Filip Bystedt and Shakir Mukhamadullin shipped out, while Michael Kesselring and goalie Jiří Patera add crucial depth.

Key topics include contract strategies for restricted free agents, the projected defensive pairings featuring Trouba and Nemec, and the club’s strengthened center depth. JD Young lays out the logic behind each a...

San Jose Sharks chart a bold course in a simulated offseason as Macklin Celebrini inks a historic eight-year, $15 million extension and claims the captaincy. Will this calculated commitment lock in the Sharks’ resurgence for years to come? JD Young maps out San Jose’s blueprint, highlighting major contract extensions for Will Smith and Colin Graff while spotlighting cap strategy and franchise direction.

Explore key decisions behind re-signing RFAs like Zack Ostapchuk, targeted Barracuda depth moves, and the domino effect on the Sharks’ roster ahead of NHL Free Agency and draft week. Will Mike Grier’s simulated moves set the...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal draft decision: is Chase Reid the right choice to anchor their blue line for years to come? JD Young builds a compelling case for selecting the dynamic 6’2” right-handed defenseman with the second overall pick, emphasizing Reid’s elite skating, puck-moving ability, and offensive upside. With a strong OHL stat line and comparisons to NHL greats like Phil Housley and Seth Jones, could Reed become the cornerstone the Sharks desperately need?

Key highlights include scouting insights praising Reid’s four-way mobility, shot, and transition play, as well as his high hockey IQ and pote...

San Jose Sharks weigh critical draft decisions as European prospects rise—could Adam Goljer, Alexander Command, or Oliver Suvanto be the next foundation for a playoff push? With Goljer’s steadily climbing stock, Command’s physical two-way game, and Suvanto’s impressive NHL-ready floor, the Sharks must balance upside, role fit, and long-term value at pick number 20.

Key insights focus on Goljer’s shutdown potential and raw defensive skill, Command’s relentless motor and versatility as a future middle-six anchor, and the debate between Suvanto’s high floor versus higher-ceiling boom-or-bust options. The conversation explores how Mike Grier’s best-p...

San Jose Sharks face a franchise-defining decision: should Ivar Stenberg be their next draft cornerstone? Elite prospect Ivar Stenberg, praised for his offensive creativity and high hockey IQ, stands out as a potential top-line NHL winger. Fresh off a stellar season with Frölunda and a gold-medal run with Sweden at the World Juniors, Stenberg’s playmaking, two-way reliability, and rapid transition game have scouts and analysts across the league buzzing.

The discussion highlights how Stenberg’s robust skill set could transform the Sharks’ forward group, creating an electrifying top line alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Could t...

San Jose Sharks eye major blue line upgrades: will Adam Pelech, Jordan Spence, or Jonas Brodin transform their defense? JD Young breaks down why each defenseman—Pelech from the New York Islanders, Spence from the Ottawa Senators, and Brodin from the Minnesota Wild—could be the missing piece for the Sharks’ struggling back end. Injury concerns for Brodin and contract implications for Spence and Pelech fuel the debate, while the Sharks’ willingness to trade key assets like the 20th overall pick or a top forward prospect comes into focus.

Key insights include a deep dive into advanced stats—hi...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal decision: Should they target Morgan Rielly or Darnell Nurse to bolster their blue line? Both defensemen come with hefty contracts and unique strengths—Rielly excels at driving offense with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Nurse brings size and a shutdown presence from the Edmonton Oilers. Which veteran is the smarter cap move for a rebuilding San Jose squad?

JD Young breaks down each player's skill set, contract implications, and how they might fit into the Sharks’ lineup. Key topics include potential trade packages comparable to the Jacob Trouba deal, the importance of o...

San Jose Sharks eye key NHL Draft prospects as Adam Novotny’s versatile power-forward game, JP Hurlbert’s elite goal-scoring instincts, and Mathis Preston’s boom-or-bust skill set move into the spotlight. Could one of these standout CHL forwards transform the Sharks’ offense and accelerate their rebuild?

JD Young and McKeen Hockey’s Derek Neumeier break down Novotny’s NHL-ready physicality, Hurlbert’s uncanny knack for finding the net, and Preston’s dynamic but inconsistent WHL campaign. The debate covers each prospect’s ideal role, developmental needs, and possible draft range—raising questions about immediate impact versus long-term upside. Sh...