Help for Macklin Celebrini: Three Potential San Jose Sharks Free-Agent Targets
Tuesday was a massive day for the San Jose Sharks, winning the NHL draft lottery.
The Sharks are expected to select top prospect Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. The 17-year-old center had a monster freshman season with Boston University, posting 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games. As a result, he is already viewed as NHL-ready.
Macklin Celebrini Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
With the Sharks set to land Celebrini at the draft, they should look to add to their forward group this off-season. He will need weapons to work with, so let’s discuss three potential forwards the Sharks could target in free agency.
Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins
At just 27 years old, Jake DeBrusk would be a potential long-term fit for a rebuilding club like San Jose or a short-term addition looking to increase his value with more ice time. He is also a proven top-six winger, which would make him a good linemate for Celebrini.
Jake DeBrusk Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
DeBrusk appeared in 80 games this season, recording 19 goals and 40 points. While he had a down year for his standards offensively, he has picked up his play in the post-season, posting four goals and six points in nine games. He’s an established scorer in the NHL and would be a big-time addition for San Jose because of it.
Dakota Joshua, Vancouver Canucks
Dakota Joshua had a breakout year for the Vancouver Canucks, posting new career highs with 18 goals, 14 assists, 32 points and a plus-19 rating. Besides producing offensively, he was very effective with his physicality, posting 245 hits.
Dakota Joshua Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Joshua would provide the Sharks with more scoring and toughness, which would have the potential to be incredibly beneficial for a youngster like Celebrini. He is also only 27 years old, so he has multiple seasons left in his prime. The Canucks would be wise to re-sign him, but with nine pending UFAs and an RFA to deal with this off-season, he may become a free agent the Sharks could sign to a multi-year deal.
Viktor Arvidsson, Los Angeles Kings
While Viktor Arvidsson is 31 and likely thinking about a Stanley Cup, he still could be a solid option for a rebuilding team for the Sharks to consider. The 2014 fourth-round pick dealt with injury trouble this season, only appearing in 18 regular-season games. However, he was excellent when healthy, posting six goals and nine assists.
Viktor Arvidsson Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
While Arvidsson is a solid top-six winger, his injury trouble this season could make it harder for him to earn a long-term deal. He could instead be the perfect kind of player for the Sharks to sign to a one-year pact. He would give Celebrini a quality sniper to work with and could be a great trade chip for the Sharks if he has a good year.
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