Graf, a college free agent, signs with the Sharks, building on the Islanders’ history of player development.
Collin Graf, a top college free agency and former Quinnipiac forward, announced Thursday that he will begin his professional career with the San Jose Sharks.
Collin Graf, a top college free agency and former Quinnipiac forward, announced Thursday that he will begin his professional career with the San Jose Sharks.
The 21-year-old scored 22 goals and added 27 assists for 49 points in 34 games. Their season ended on March 31 when they lost 5-4 in overtime to Boston College in the Regional Finals.
Immediately, the NHL world was on “Graf Watch,” as the talented center could practically chose any NHL team.
Being from Massachusetts, there was a good chance he’d sign with the Boston Bruins, with reports indicating he wished to be in the East. Insiders also thought that the New York Rangers may be a good fit.
But Graf ultimately chose the worst team in the NHL.
There’s a reason, and it isn’t rocket science: the Sharks offered Graf the quickest path to the NHL.
We do not know if the New York Islanders were on Graf’s radar, but they could not offer Graf the opportunity that the Sharks have.
Many teams couldn’t offer what the Sharks have.
But Graf, going on the path of least resistance, should send a message to the Islanders.
If Graf had joined New York, a playoff contender, he would have joined the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League.
While we may see roster turnover this summer, especially if the Islanders miss the playoffs for the second time in three years, Graf is not promised an NHL starting spot.
With the Islanders rostering five centers, three of whom had contracts with high yearly values, finding a spot for Graf would have been difficult.
Graf could have and still could be moved to the wing, a positional switch that happens rather often.
But, given how the Islanders have failed to develop their young players and find opportunities for them, it isn’t a ringing endorsement for a top-flight college free agent.
As you read this, speculations are developing that pending restricted free agency forward Ruslan Iskhakov, the 23-year-old magician selected by the Islanders in the second round (No. 43) of the 2018 NHL Draft, may choose to play in the KHL in 2024-25.
He was selected an AHL All-Star in each of his first two seasons with the organization. He leads Bridgeport with 17 goals, 29 assists, and 46 points in 65 games, but has yet to play in the NHL.
Although he is a potential top-six talent, he lacks the necessary skills to play a bottom-six NHL role. However, the Islanders do not have room in the top six for him. Some may see him as an upgrade over Pierre Engvall, who signed a seven-year extension worth $21 million this summer, or Anders Lee, who is currently a bottom-six forward.
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