MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #3 San Jose Sharks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 3rd (Last Year - 1st)
GM: Mike Grier Hired: July 2022
COACH: Ryan Warsofsky Hired: June 2024

The future has arrived in San Jose, and Macklin Celebrini is now the face of the franchise. Having reached the 100-point mark as a 19-year-old, the young center has already transformed the organization's trajectory and reshaped expectations for what lies ahead. While the Sharks remain at risk of missing the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season, there is a growing sense of optimism surrounding the team. And even with several elite prospects graduating to the NHL level, San Jose’s pipeline remains one of the strongest in the league.

The system continues to boast impressive depth, with 13 players featured within McKeen’s Top 200 and multiple talents still developing. Leading the next wave is Michael Misa, selected second overall in the 2025 draft. With elite offensive instincts and dynamic playmaking ability, Misa now stands as the centrepiece of the Sharks’ prospect pool and complements an already promising young core.

San Jose’s 2025 draft success extends beyond Misa. The organization also secured top goaltending prospect Joshua Ravensbergen, while adding valuable depth with second-round selections such as defenceman Haoxi Wang and Cole McKinney, a reliable two-way center. At the professional level, several prospects are beginning to establish themselves. Forwards Quentin Musty, Kasper Halttunen, and Igor Chernyshov have all transitioned to the AHL and in some cases, the NHL level. They join a talented San Jose Barracuda roster that includes breakout performers such as Luca Cagnoni and Filip Bystedt, both of whom have made meaningful strides in their development. Meanwhile, defenseman Eric Pohlkamp continues to impress at the University of Denver, adding another layer of depth to an already well-rounded system.

The Sharks remain firmly in the rebuilding phase, but the pieces are rapidly coming together. With Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, and now Misa leading the charge — supported by a deep and talented pipeline — San Jose is building toward a bright future. The next phase may involve converting some of that prospect capital into immediate help.

1. Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks (NHL)

Misa has had to roll with the punches this season. He earned an NHL spot out of training camp, then found himself getting limited ice time. Then, he suffered an injury, which ended up with him spending a conditioning stint in the AHL. He was then off to the World Juniors, where he had a solid, but unremarkable tournament. Now, Misa seems to be hitting more of his stride having returned to the NHL thanks to his detailed game. In particular, Misa has found himself as a regular in San Jose’s top six, which has greatly helped in allowing for his offensive skillset to shine through. He currently centers a line between Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund, two experienced forwards who bring complementary skills to Misa’s game. Misa has never been a true dazzler, but he simply makes all the right plays and is almost always in the right spot. He makes the small, connective plays that have allowed that line to take off and can also capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves. As Misa gains in strength and experience, he should be more and more of a driver himself.

2. Igor Chernyshov, LW, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

Chernyshov impressed in his NHL call-up, showing immediate chemistry with Macklin Celebrini on the Sharks’ top line. There, as in the AHL, he showed just how potent his aggressive mindset can be, skating in straight lines and bowling over opponents in the process. Chernyshov is big, skilled, and can skate, which is a combination that immediately paid dividends for the Sharks. However, as the call up progressed, some of the lack of detail and inexperience in Chernyshov’s game became apparent. All he did was go back to the AHL and pick up right where he left off. Although the Sharks have already stockpiled their core in Celebrini, Michael Misa, and Will Smith, they are still in need of supportive players, essentially another layer of prospects up front. That is exactly where Chernyshov can slot right in, because on his own, he’s not necessarily a true play driver. Next to highly skilled players, though, he can perfectly complement them with his own brand of hockey. The projection for a top nine forward floor looks more and more safe.

3. Quentin Musty, LW, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

Musty remains one of the more electrifying players to watch in all of pro hockey. He’s constantly involved in the play, whether that be through his creative playmaking, or with his aggressive skating stride. On top of that, he’s always looking to attack, whether that be using head and body fakes, or by trying to break down a defender with creative stickhandling. The big question for Musty will be how much of that creativity and skill will actually translate to the NHL. Although he’s always attacking, he’s not always getting to the middle of the ice, which is an area he’ll have to find at the next level. Productive in his AHL rookie season, Musty is at least showing that his traits translate to pro hockey. However, as the Sharks look set to become a perennial playoff team, Musty won’t get the kind of runway to make mistakes in the NHL that other young players in the organization before him have. Therefore, he will need to find more of a B-game, being more physical and shoring up his defensive game. The top six potential is there, and there’s a lot to be excited about if you’re a Sharks fan.

4. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

It’s no secret that goalies need more time to develop into professional players, but Joshua Ravensbergen has done everything he can to prove he’s ready for that step. After being surprisingly undrafted into the WHL, the San Jose Sharks selected the Prince George Cougars netminder with in the 30th overall pick in last year’s NHL Draft. Ravensbergen has been an essential piece to the success of Prince Cougars in the last three seasons. With an appealing 6-foot-5 frame and high-end athleticism, he already brings a strong foundation to succeed at the next level, and his 0.917 SV% at the time of writing places him in the top five among WHL goalies this season. He’s expected to attend Michigan State University next fall, where it is expected he will succeed Detroit Red Wings selection Trey Augustine as the starting goalie (and it also happens to be the alma mater of current Sharks goalie scout and development coach, and former Vezina Trophy winner, Ryan Miller). San Jose has not drafted a goalie that has played a game for them since 2005, and it’s easy to see Ravensbergen buck that trend with continued development at the college and professional level.

5. Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

Mukhamadullin’s season has been a bit of mixed bag. Although his point totals are up, he has been less involved offensively overall, and his individual shot rates are all down. He is not setting up teammates or getting shots through at the same clip he was last season. Defensively, the results are also mixed. Despite his mobility, Mukhamadullin has struggled at times to defend his own blueline, while the overall chances given up in his own zone have increased. On the flip side, he’s improved at retrieving pucks deep in the defensive zone and getting it back out safely. However, there is a cost to this, as Mukhamadullin is turning into a bit of a “safe” player, more content to chip the puck out than find a teammate. This is the natural progression of an NHL defenceman, though, and the physical tools are all still there. On a positive note, he has not spent any time in the AHL this season, and it does seem like he is a year away from really putting it all together. At a minimum, he’s proven he can be a regular NHLer.

6. Filip Bystedt, C, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

The former 2022 first round pick is humming along at a nearly point-per-game pace in his second season in North America, and there are starting to be clear indicators of his NHL potential. Bystedt excels at finding open teammates, doing so both with his vision and his skating ability. He creates zone entries at a solid clip, and makes the kind of small, detailed passes that help a forward line really tick. The speed really stands out, but there remain a couple of areas of opportunity for him. For starters, hanging on to pucks just a bit longer will help him be more dangerous. Secondly, his defensive game still needs considerable work. There remain miscues in his positioning without the puck, sometimes falling asleep and not picking up on back door options. For a young forward, this isn’t a huge concern, but to eventually make the leap to the NHL, he will have to show he can be responsible in that end. He still has middle six upside and can really solidify that if his overall game continues to mature.

7. Luca Cagnoni, D, San Jose Baracuda (AHL)

Cagnoni is on a mission to defy the odds as a 5-foot-9 defenceman. Typically, defenceman of his size needs at least one to two standout traits in order to make the jump to the next level. At this point, it’s becoming clear that Cagnoni’s offence could be that trait. Wherever he goes, he puts up points, and this season has been no different. However, it’s the way in which he does it that is noteworthy. A bit like Lane Hutson, he’s demonstrated a willingness to hang on to the puck and challenge defenders one on one, all while using the kind of shifty moves that we have become accustomed to seeing Hutson do. Cagnoni has gotten by defensively in the AHL, as his strength and overall responsibility have improved. However, he likely needs at least one more big push of improvement in that regard to solidly project as an NHLer. Although the offence is great, it’s not so elite as to completely overlook his size and defensive game. He’s on the right track, though, and still could become a third pairing guy in the NHL.

8. Eric Pohlkamp, D, University of Denver (NCAA)

Pohlkamp is an undersized but physical defender with a very heavy shot from the point area. His skating is solid and he plays with a relentless drive and motor. He constantly throws his weight around and keeps his feet moving. Since joining Denver, he's been one of the NCAA's top defenders. This season with Denver, he has been at his very best and is a top candidate for the Hobey Baker, awarded to the NCAA's top player. Pohlkamp’s shooting ability continues to be a standout trait, and that motor and aggressive style make him pop off the page at times. There is some concern over how his defensive abilities will translate to the NHL level, but he should, at the very least, be a huge weapon for San Jose's powerplay. Look for Pohlkamp to sign his ELC when Denver's run in the Frozen Four ends and he should push for an NHL job pretty quickly, even in a deep system like San Jose's. Pohlkamp has emerged as one of the most underrated defensive prospects in the game currently.

9. Cam Lund, C, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

Lund will be out for the remainder of the season following a recent surgery for an upper body injury, which is a shame given the season that he was having. The former 2022 second round pick was producing at a healthy clip in the AHL alongside some of the Sharks’ other exciting young forward talent. Lund has all of the traits of a potential NHL regular. He’s physically strong and stable and balanced on his feet. His shot remains an above average tool, and he’s found ways to get it off in the AHL. He’s tenacious away from the puck, both on the backcheck and the forecheck. Although there might not be high end skill in bunches, Lund is looking more and more like a lock to crack the Sharks’ lineup and eventually establish himself in a full-time role. With a solid recovery and off-season, Lund should be able to build off of the year he was having going into training camp this fall. If he can add even a bit more of a dynamic element in addition to his smarts and physical play, he might even have a chance to be a top six guy.

10. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, D, Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)

Sahlin Wallenius has been having a great season in the SHL, adjusting to the pace and level of the league very well. He has taken on significant responsibility, regularly logging heavy minutes comfortably. His progression is especially noticeable in how comfortably he handles pressure and maintains structure against high level competition. He also delivered an outstanding performance at the WJC, playing a major role in Sweden’s championship performance. He handled the heavy workload well, with only a limited number of mistakes despite the number of minutes he played. Sahlin Wallenius plays a controlled, reliable game rather than a flashy one. Offensively, he contributes through smart puck decisions and steady support play. Areas for improvement are mainly physical, particularly in board battles and net-front situations. From a projection standpoint, Sahlin Wallenius most realistically profiles as a depth NHL defenceman, with the potential to take on a larger role if his development continues positively. While he shows offensive upside, his profile projects more toward more of a supporting usage than a primary power-play role at the NHL level.

11. Kasper Halttunen, RW, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

The big winger with the big shot is slowly coming around at the pro level as a rookie. Just needs to find that consistent engagement level without the puck and continue to improve his skating.

12. Cole McKinney, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)

The intelligent and hard-working pivot has had a solid freshman year for Michigan, playing in a middle six role. His upside as a pro probably falls in the same vein

13. Carson Wetsch, RW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Wetsch has enjoyed a breakout offensive season in the WHL for Kelowna. He’s served as the captain for the Memorial Cup hosts and has arguably been their most consistent player. The physical, two-way winger will turn pro next year.

14. Haoxi Wang, D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

All things considered, it hasn’t been a terrible post draft season for Wang, a player selected as a long-term project. He’s worked on his decision making at both ends and is learning to use his size more consistently. The question is will he play another year in the OHL or head to Boston University next season?

15. Ethan Cardwell, RW, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

A bit of a forgotten man in a deep Sharks’ system. Cardwell is a hard worker who hasn’t looked out of place in a few short stints with the main club. He could be a bottom six winger for the Sharks in the near future.