Locked On Sharks - Daily Podcast On The San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal offseason—should they reunite with Brent Burns to anchor the blue line and add to the vibes? As free agency approaches, JD Young examines the pros and cons of bringing back the iconic defenseman, weighing nostalgia against on-ice impact and the allure of Burns breaking the Ironman streak in teal.

Key analysis spotlights potential short-term blue line solutions with deep dives into John Carlson’s continued elite play and Radko Gudas’s gritty but aging game. Hear insights on how these veteran defensemen could fit into the Sharks’ evolving roster, shape the powe...

San Jose Sharks weigh massive blue line changes as veteran defensemen Darnell Nurse, Colton Parayko, and Rasmus Ristolainen hit the trade rumor mill. Will Mike Grier take a gamble on experience, or steer clear of long-term contracts that could hamper the Sharks’ rebuild?

JD Young breaks down the strengths, weaknesses, and contract considerations for each potential acquisition, spotlighting Nurse’s hefty $9.25M deal with the Edmonton Oilers, Parayko’s defensive prowess with the St. Louis Blues, and Ristolainen’s comeback potential after injury-plagued years with the Philadelphia Flyers. Key insights include zone exit skills, penalty kill reli...

San Jose Sharks eye blue line reinforcements as Malte Gustafsson and Juho Piiparinen earn early draft buzz. Could these shutdown defensemen be the keys to a future Stanley Cup push?

JD Young and Will Scouch profile Gustafsson’s towering frame and modern defensive game with HV71, sizing up his upside as a top-pair neutral zone defender despite modest SHL stats. They spotlight Piiparinen’s efficient, positional play in Liiga—raising the question: is a steady, high-floor defenseman worth a first-round pick? The conversation digs into international performances, development curves, and how each blueliner might pair with a dynami...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal decision with the 20th pick acquired from the Edmonton Oilers. Could this selection unlock a major addition to the blue line, or become a trade chip for immediate NHL help? Bowen Byram and Simon Nemec headline the potential defensive targets, while younger RFAs like Alexander Nikishin and Jamie Drysdale add intrigue to GM Mike Grier’s options. Would trading the pick be a shortcut to landing a proven impact player, or should the Sharks trust their scouting to find the next foundational piece?

JD Young dissects the trade market through the le...

San Jose Sharks fans are on the clock as a mock draft simulator puts the team’s futures in your hands. The conversation focused on strategic draft scenarios, analyzing mock drafts from Bleacher Report and The Athletic, and what it would mean to select defenseman Chase Reid versus taking the top available forward—Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg. How would these choices reshape a young core featuring Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith?

A key theme that emerged was leveraging the mock draft simulator to test the value of trading down, stockpiling picks, and navigating unpredictable draft runs. The...

San Jose Sharks weigh blockbuster trade-down scenarios as rumors swirl around Simon Nemec’s future in New Jersey. Could Nemec be the solution for the Sharks’ blue line, or is he just another piece in the franchise’s ongoing rebuild? Questions loom over William Eklund’s trade value, the team’s search for a scoring winger, and what a package involving Quentin Musty or the 20th overall pick might look like.

JD Young breaks down potential draft day moves, evaluating the value of trading down from the No. 2 and No. 20 picks with teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Bl...

San Jose Sharks weigh a blockbuster move for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Would adding a generational scorer accelerate the Sharks' rebuild, or derail it with steep trade demands and lofty expectations? JD Young breaks down Matthews' elite history—highlighting his Rocket Richard wins, recent injury setbacks, and the staggering implications of his $13.25M cap hit.

Key discussion points include whether sending prized prospect Michael Misa to Toronto is too high a price, Morgan Rielly’s declining defensive upside despite strong offense, and how Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s manageable contract could make him a smart add to bolste...

San Jose Sharks fans face a franchise-altering draft dilemma: If Gavin McKenna slips to the number two pick, should the Sharks gamble on his high-octane offensive upside, or address their pressing need for a top-tier defenseman? JD Young and NHL draft expert Tony Ferrari break down McKenna’s unprecedented journey from the WHL to Penn State, his dazzling playmaking skills, and his defensive warts—drawing comparisons to Connor Bedard and Jonathan Huberdeau.

Key topics include how McKenna stacks up against recent No. 1 picks, his potential fit alongside stars like Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa, and the Sharks’ forwar...

Will Smith is about to get PAID. On today’s episode of Locked On Sharks, JD Young breaks down why the San Jose Sharks winger could be in line for a massive long-term extension as he becomes eligible for a new contract on July 1. After a breakout sophomore season alongside Macklin Celebrini, Smith has quickly established himself as a cornerstone piece of the Sharks' rebuild — and the numbers are starting to reflect that. 

JD dives into realistic contract comparables, including Lucas Raymond, Wyatt Johnston, Seth Jarvis, Cole Caufield, Dylan Cozens, and JJ Peterka, to project what Smith’s next...

Should the San Jose Sharks eye Ryan Shea as a potential Mario Ferraro replacement, targeting defensive upgrades at nearly half the price? Could Shea’s breakout year with the Pittsburgh Penguins translate to success in San Jose’s lineup? Analytical comparisons reveal Shea’s surprising offensive contributions and elite penalty-killing, raising questions about whether he can anchor the Sharks’ blue line as Ferraro approaches a big free-agent contract.

Host JD Young also spotlights Nick Blankenburg—an undrafted, right-shot defenseman known for his puck-moving skills and analytical buzz. Can the undersized Colorado Avalanche and former Nashville Predators p...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal offseason as Mario Ferraro’s contract projections signal a hefty payday—should Mike Grier re-sign the blue line anchor, or is it time to find a more cost-effective replacement? Potential deals and comparisons to Nikita Zadorov and Vladislav Gavrikov highlight the tough choices ahead, while the free agent market looms thin for defensemen.

JD Young breaks down Evolving Hockey’s latest contract projections for the Sharks’ top UFAs and RFAs, including crucial decisions on Collin Graf, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, and Vinnie Desharnais. The conversation covers why Graf’s value may warrant a...

New Jersey Devils’ cap crunch spells opportunity for San Jose Sharks—can a blockbuster deal reshape both blue lines? Host JD Young explores trade targets Dougie Hamilton, Simon Nemec, and Seamus Casey, analyzing which Devils defenseman could fit San Jose’s roster and help them push forward in their rebuild.

The episode features a deep dive into contract situations, cap space woes, and the potential for high-impact trades, including a possible Hamilton move to help the Sharks reach the cap floor and provide veteran stability. Are the Devils ready to part with young talent like Nemec or Casey...

San Jose Sharks secure a promising future as prospect Carson Wetsch signs his entry-level contract. Can this power forward become a difference-maker for the Barracuda and eventually the NHL roster?

JD Young spotlights Wetsch’s leadership journey from Calgary Hitmen captain to Kelowna’s Memorial Cup run, breaking down his strong all-around WHL performance—22 goals, 50 assists, and heavy hits in 65 games. Analysis covers Wech’s translatable style, potential fit on the Barracuda’s third line, and long-term projection as a hard-nosed, penalty-killing fourth-liner in San Jose’s lineup. With established talents like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith commanding t...

San Jose Sharks face a franchise-defining choice with the No. 2 NHL Draft pick—can Ivar Stenberg become the dynamic winger to elevate the team, or should the Sharks address their blue line needs instead? Draft expert Chris Peters shares sharp insights on Stenberg’s high motor, skill set, and comparisons to William Eklund, fueling the Eklund vs. Stenberg debate as Sharks fans wonder who truly is the "best player available."

Host JD Young and Chris Peters break down Stenberg’s readiness for the NHL, the case for prioritizing top defenseman Chase Reid, and why development time in the AH...

San Jose Sharks prepare to shatter contract records as Macklin Celebrini eyes a blockbuster extension. Can the Sharks lock down their franchise cornerstone with an unprecedented offer, or will rising cap numbers and the lure of bridge deals put their long-term plans in jeopardy?

JD Young breaks down NHL superstar contracts, comparing potential deals for Celebrini to heavyweights like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Auston Matthews. The conversation zeroes in on bridge versus long-term deals, cap percentage strategies, and the impact of new CBA rules that reduce maximum contract lengths. Insights include the ripple effect on future...

San Jose Sharks weigh the pros and cons of pursuing veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba in NHL free agency. Is Trouba the right fit to mentor the Sharks’ emerging blue line, or will his contract demands and declining analytics signal a risky investment? JD Young explores Trouba’s playoff pedigree with the Anaheim Ducks, his experience anchoring defensive pairings, and the potential impact on young talents like Sam Dickinson and Luca Cagnoni.

Key discussion points include Trouba’s defensive strengths, power play and penalty kill usage, and realistic contract projections compared to market comparables like Dmitry Orlov and John K...

San Jose Sharks eye high-upside NHL Draft talent with Xavier Villeneuve and Maddox Dagenais as possible game-changers with their Edmonton first-round pick. Could San Jose land a franchise-defining offensive defenseman or a relentless power forward to fuel their rebuild?

JD Young and Elite Prospects’ Hadi Kalakeche dissect Villeneuve’s elite puck-moving, Lane Hutson-style creativity, and defensive anticipation, despite questions about his size and recovery from injury. The conversation shifts to Dagenais’ transformation into a 6’4” wrecking ball with an NHL-ready shot and motor—raising questions about consistency and future fit as a center or winger. Expert insights cover development...

San Jose Sharks land the No. 2 pick in the NHL Draft, but should Mike Grier stick to the rebuild timeline? With mock drafts projecting talents like Ivar Stenberg and Chase Reid, the debate heats up—should San Jose target a high-ceiling defenseman or grab the best available forward to play alongside Macklin Celebrini? NHL prospect buzz and lottery luck set the stage for critical offseason moves.

JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ flexible $14.5 million cap space, dissecting contract needs for Shakir Mukhamadullin, Collin Graf, and key free agents. Roster strategy, the future of William Eklund, and the timi...

San Jose Sharks jump from ninth to second in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, altering the franchise’s trajectory and igniting fresh debates about the team’s rebuild. Can the Sharks afford to draft another star forward like Ivan Stenberg, or is it finally time to target a blue-line anchor such as Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, or Carson Carels?

JD Young breaks down the franchise-altering lottery luck and why this draft may become a turning point for the Sharks’ future. Key discussion points include recent draft picks like Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa, Will Smith, and William Eklund, the risks...

San Jose Sharks fans are on draft lottery watch—could the franchise land another top pick and reshape its future? JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ lottery odds, the ripple effects of potentially winning the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes, and why moving up in the draft might make William Eklund or Will Smith expendable. The episode explains why the odds overwhelmingly favor a ninth overall pick for the Sharks and dissects what winning the first or second pick would mean for roster construction and trade possibilities.

Key topics include the impact of draft lottery mechanics, the strategic dilemma of s...

San Jose Sharks eye Darren Raddysh, the breakout Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, as free agency approaches. After a 70-point season and commanding the Lightning's top power play unit, could Raddysh be the puck-moving right-handed defenseman the Sharks desperately need to anchor their blue line and revitalize their special teams?

JD Young breaks down Raddysh's remarkable rise from undrafted OHL talent to one of the NHL’s top available defensemen, exploring his statistical profile, offensive firepower, and fit within San Jose’s evolving defensive core. The analysis tackles Raddysh’s contract projections, sustainability concerns after a career-best year, and wh...

San Jose Sharks eye potential first-round steals as Ryan Lin and Oscar Hemming emerge as draft wild cards. Can smart drafting reshape the Sharks’ blue line and forward depth for the future? JD Young and Derek Neumeier scrutinize Lin’s hockey IQ, versatility, and leadership as a right-handed defenseman set for the University of Denver, questioning if his “effort full” skating and 5’11” frame will keep him from elite status. Is Lin the next core piece for San Jose’s defensive rebuild?

The conversation turns to Oscar Hemming, the 6’4” Finnish forward whose season at Boston College was limited by off-ice contrac...

Buffalo Sabres’ looming cap crunch could offer the San Jose Sharks a golden opportunity—should General Manager Mike Grier target Buffalo’s blue line this offseason? JD Young explores how balancing an expensive defense and Alex Tuch’s anticipated mega-extension may force the Sabres to rethink their roster. Are trade winds swirling around intriguing names like Bowen Byram and Michael Kesselring?

JD Young breaks down Bowen Byram’s breakout year and new value to Buffalo, while highlighting why Michael Kesselring might be an ideal buy-low candidate to stabilize San Jose’s defense. With the Sharks flush with cap space an...

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal offseason with over $40 million in cap space, but is a true game-changer available on the NHL free agent market? JD Young spotlights potential targets like Alex Tuch, Patrick Kane, and injury-questioned Patrik Laine, questioning whether the Sharks can find meaningful forward upgrades or are destined to sign aging veterans for short-term help. The discussion covers the team’s urgent need to hit the cap floor and explores the limited options available given the shallow pool of top-tier offensive talent.

Turning to defense, JD outlines why Darren Raddysh stands out in a th...

San Jose Sharks gear up for a pivotal offseason with a staggering $41.5 million in cap space—second only to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Can GM Mike Grier leverage this financial flexibility to accelerate the rebuild and add top-tier talent to a roster hungry for blue line upgrades? Analysis spotlights looming contracts for Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, plus the strategic hurdles in a lackluster free agent class.

JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ impressive draft capital, including a potentially crucial Edmonton Oilers first-round pick, and examines which prospects—like Filip Bystedt, Quentin Musty, and Kasper Halttunen—could become trade ch...

San Jose Sharks face a critical offseason with major decisions looming for their blue line and rising stars. Can Mike Grier rebuild the defense while juggling extensions for Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, all under the watchful eyes of fans and looming salary cap pressures?

JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ current contract situation, detailing new deals for key forwards like Alexander Wennberg, Kiefer Sherwood, and William Eklund, while spotlighting open questions around UFAs Mario Ferraro, John Klingberg, and Nick Leddy. With only a handful of defensemen signed and $41.5 million in cap space, the discussion turns to po...

San Jose Barracuda’s season ends in heartbreak after a 5-1 loss to the Henderson Silver Knights. Eric Pohlkamp shines in his professional debut, showing why he’s touted as the San Jose Sharks’ top defensive prospect and impressing with poise under playoff pressure. With six shots on goal and standout blue line play, could Pohlkamp force his way onto the Sharks’ NHL roster sooner than expected?

JD Young breaks down what went wrong for the Barracuda—missed scoring opportunities, struggles on special teams, and injuries piling up on defense. Insightful analysis includes the impact of Jet Woo’s toug...

San Jose Sharks unlock superstar potential as Macklin Celebrini smashes franchise records and propels the team into unexpected playoff contention. Can San Jose build on this momentum for a top-10 offensive leap next season?

JD Young recaps the Sharks’ overachieving campaign, spotlighting Celebrini’s 115-point season, Will Smith’s development, and Igor Chernyshov’s emergence on a dynamic top line. Key topics include Michael Misa’s promising future, Quentin Musty’s rise in the AHL, and what’s needed for the next step: a true top-four NHL defenseman. With defense the critical focus this offseason, how will GM Mike Grier...

San Jose Barracuda fall in a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss to Henderson Silver Knights—can they rebound with their season on the line? JD Young breaks down how the Barracuda’s depth scorers, including Kasper Halttunen, Colin White, and Jimmy Huntington, delivered key goals, while Oliver Wahlstrom stood out with three assists. Despite their offensive bursts and special teams success, defensive lapses and untimely penalties—like the costly moment from Cagnoni—proved fatal against Henderson’s high-powered attack.

Key insights include the need for greater 5-on-5 consistency, shot suppression after being outshot 39-22, and the crucial impact of upcomin...

San Jose Sharks' front office faces a defining offseason as GM Mike Grier's roster moves come under the microscope. Can the Sharks accelerate their rebuild with savvy free-agent signings like Dmitry Orlov and Adam Gaudette, or will missteps such as the Jeff Skinner gamble set them back? JD Young grades Grier's biggest decisions, from short-term contracts and trade acquisitions to the effectiveness of waiver claims like Nick Leddy and the long-term extensions for William Eklund, Alexander Wennberg, and Kiefer Sherwood.

Key insights include the impact of the Alex Nedeljkovic trade, the value returned in the Kiefer Sherwood...

San Jose Barracuda brace for a high-octane showdown with the Henderson Silver Knights as playoff stakes intensify. Can Laurent Brossoit reclaim his mid-season form and anchor a defense plagued by injuries, or will the Silver Knights’ balanced attack led by Ralphie Lavoie and Tanner Laczynski overwhelm the Cuda? With offensive firepower on both sides, expect a series where every goal—especially on the power play—matters.

JD Young previews key X factors, from Trevor Connelly’s game-changing potential for Henderson to must-watch line combinations for San Jose, including contributions from Filip Bystedt and Quentin Musty. Discussion centers on the B...

Prince George Cougars’ Carson Carels rockets up 2026 NHL Draft boards—can he make an immediate NHL impact? JD Young and Daniel Gee of Elite Prospects break down Carels’ surge, analyzing his elite mobility, physical growth, and dominance in both offensive and shutdown roles. Is this 6’2”, left-shot defenseman the answer for teams seeking a complete blue-liner ready to step into an NHL lineup this fall?

Hear why Carels’ performance for Prince George and Team Canada’s World Juniors squad, plus his adaptability to multiple roles, make him a top prospect. The conversation also ranks Carrels among 2026’s standout defensemen, expl...

San Jose Sharks roar back with dramatic improvements—can Macklin Celebrini lead them to playoff glory next season? JD Young breaks down how the Sharks’ offense transformed, spotlighting Celebrini’s explosive 115-point season alongside rising talents Will Smith, Collin Graf, and William Eklund. With boosted five-on-five scoring, a jump to the league’s second-best shooting percentage, and a remarkable 22 wins in one-goal games, the Sharks are proving they can close tight contests—but can they sustain this pace?

Defensive strides are in focus as JD Young examines Ryan Warsofsky’s system and the blue line’s ongoing struggles. Key...

San Jose Sharks face pivotal offseason decisions as GM Mike Grier navigates high-stakes contract talks and a critical draft. Will franchise cornerstones Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith lock in long-term extensions before the CBA shift, and is Mario Ferraro set to command a big payday elsewhere as he tests unrestricted free agency?

JD Young breaks down Grier’s strategy to improve the Sharks' blue line and special teams without derailing their rebuild. Key topics include potential draft pick trades, Grier’s “best player available” approach versus drafting for need, and how prospects like Luca Cagnoni could bolster the defe...

San Jose Sharks dominate the Winnipeg Jets 6-1 as Macklin Celebrini sets a new franchise single-season points record with 115, drawing comparisons to legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. With standout performances from William Eklund, Will Smith, Michael Misa, and Luca Cagnoni, the Sharks’ youth movement steals the spotlight—raising questions about how quickly this team can contend for the playoffs.

Host JD Young breaks down the significance of Celebrini’s historic season and spotlights key contributions from rising stars across the roster. Discussion highlights the Sharks’ top power play unit, John Klingberg’s milestone 700th NHL game, and...

San Jose Sharks face pivotal season finale vs. Winnipeg Jets as Macklin Celebrini chases Joe Thornton’s franchise scoring record. Could Celebrini tie or break the 114-point milestone and cement his place in Sharks history? Both teams look to end tough seasons on a high note, but with the NHL Draft Lottery looming, the outcome has major implications for San Jose’s draft position.

JD Young breaks down key matchups, power play struggles, and the surprising nosedive of the President’s Trophy-winning Jets, highlighting lineup changes, goalie decisions, and the stakes for the Sharks’ draft pick—seventh, ninth, or...

Eric Pohlkamp is expected to sign his entry-level contract (ELC) with the San Jose Sharks and officially turn pro, marking the next step in his development path after a standout college career at the University of Denver. On today’s episode of Locked on Sharks, we dive into what this move means for both Pohlkamp and the Sharks organization moving forward.

A 2023 fifth-round pick (132nd overall), Pohlkamp has steadily risen from the USHL to Bemidji State and ultimately Denver, where he emerged as one of the top offensive defensemen in college hockey. He capped off his NCAA ca...

The San Jose Sharks fall 5-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks in a game that perfectly captures the team’s season—strong early play followed by a complete third-period collapse. JD Young breaks down how the Sharks dominated the first two periods before unraveling late, giving up five unanswered goals and showing once again why closing out games has been a season-long issue.

We dive into the numbers behind the loss, what went wrong in the third period, and how this result impacts the Sharks’ draft positioning heading into the lottery. Plus, a look at Luca Cagnoni’s standout...

San Jose Sharks target 40 wins for the first time since 2018–19 as Macklin Celebrini chases franchise history. Will Celebrini eclipse Joe Thornton’s single-season points record against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks? With both teams out of playoff contention, the spotlight intensifies on individual milestones and the evolution of young stars.

JD Young breaks down the Sharks–Blackhawks matchup, highlighting Spencer Knight’s emergence in net for Chicago and Bedard’s 73-point campaign. Key topics include the Sharks’ power play facing Chicago’s elite penalty kill, potential shakeups with Luca Cagnoni’s playmaking, and which prospects could finish strong. T...

On today’s episode of Locked On Sharks, JD Young is joined by draft analyst Tony Ferrari to take a deep dive into one of the most fascinating prospects in the upcoming NHL Draft: Alberts Smits. The Liiga defenseman has been climbing draft boards, and Tony explains why he currently has Smits ranked as his top defenseman in the class. At 6’3” with strong mobility and a physical edge, Smits brings a rare blend of size, skating, and confidence, along with a fearless mentality shaped by playing against men in Europe. The episode explores his performances at the World Juniors and Ol...