Tyler Toffoli has been a role model for the San Jose Sharks’ young players, including Collin Graf.
Graf has flourished recently and got a bump to the top line with Toffoli and Macklin Celebrini.
The rookie didn’t score against the Washington Capitals last Saturday, but he had three goals in the previous two games. The winger emphasizes more puck possession time and being in the right areas on the ice.
“I’m just trying to build that chemistry,” Graf said about his new linemates. “I think the biggest thing for me watching him is his ability to put the puck in the net. It’s what he’s best at, and he’s done that for a long time.”
Toffoli leads the Sharks in goals with 25 and has been Ryan Warsofsky’s reliable option for clutch moments. In the last ten games, Toffoli has four goals and three assists.
“Just watching him and watching where he goes. Whether it be in a game or practice,” Graf told SHD. “In practice, just watching where he goes, the puck ends up on his stick. Sometimes it’s luck. He’s just so good at it. He knows where to go and usually finds it there. That’s something that I’ve tried to learn.”
Toffoli knows what he signed up for with the San Jose Sharks and has helped many of the young players enjoy their time despite their poor record.
“[We have] a lot of picks, and for myself, I hope they’re used to get some players and make us better,” Toffoli said following the NHL trade deadline. “In my opinion, second, third, fourth, fifth-round picks don’t turn pro [until] years later. Personally, time is running out in that sense. I’m hoping to be back in the mix here next year, if not the year after.”
On Thursday, Graf, Toffoli, and Celebrini get their first chance as the Sharks’ top line against the Carolina Hurricanes.
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