Collin Graf Talks New Sharks Contract Extension

After many San Jose Sharks fans had waited a long time, Collin Graf signed his three-year contract extension and was extremely happy.

“I love being in San Jose. It’s a lot of fun. The fans are great, especially last year. The arena was rocking every night, so it was great to see,” Graf said. “In terms of the contract, it was just something where we didn’t really start negotiations until later in the Summer. Once we started, it felt like it was going pretty quick.”

Sharks GM Mike Grier echoed similar comments about the negotiations with Graf.

“I think I’ve had some discussions with all three over the last month or so. I think they’re all at different stages. We’re happy to get Mack done now,” Grier said just days before signing the winger. “I think Graf is pretty close. Continuing to have dialogue with him and see where that goes. Smitty is definitely someone we’d like to lock up long-term as well.”

The undrafted forward has made a name for himself as a key to the San Jose Sharks’ future. The 23-year-old has now gotten paid for the first time, proving he’s made it to the NHL despite the long odds. A three-year deal totaling $12.75 million is a tremendous payday for Graf. In 81 games last season, Graf scored 21 goals.

With a nice payday in hand, Graf took his family out to dinner, while still splurging on himself.

“I went with my parents and my brother out to dinner, and I got them dinner,” Graf said. “I got myself some new golf clubs. That was a gift to myself. Guys were making fun of me for having old ones, so it was time to get new ones.”

Graf also touched on the length of his new San Jose Sharks contract. Despite some thinking he might cash in for a long-term deal, Graf confirmed that both sides felt three years was the perfect length.

“There were no talks about going longer. I think three years was good. I’m happy with the three years,” Graf said. “I guess the Sharks, on their side, are the same. Three years just made sense for both of us.”

Graf will still have his work cut out for him if he wants to play in the top-six forward group. The Sharks drafted and signed No. 2 overall pick Ivar Stenberg as well as signed Mason Marchment during free agency. Both players will compete for top-six spots with other young players like Igor Chernyshov and Michael Misa.

“I like competition. I think competition is a good thing. In the long term, competition will help our team overall and help our unit as a team. It’s obviously something that, uh, I look forward to,” Graf said. “For me, it’s just trying to make as many plays as I can. Playing fast. I think last year, especially, I moved up and down the lineup and was able to complement different players well. I think that was one of my strengths and one of the reasons that the Sharks liked me.”

Graf’s extension kicks in this season for the San Jose Sharks, unlike Macklin Celebrini’s, which starts in 27-28. Graf will remain a restricted free agent once this contract is complete.