With the 2025 NHL Draft Combine underway, the San Jose Sharks will get their last look at many of the potential prospects in person.
Sharks GM Mike Grier will be able to interview multiple players and get a read on who he wants to select at No. 2. The projected pick is Saginaw forward Michael Misa. But what if the Grier goes in a different direction?
Other names for the Sharks to draft include Roger McQueen, Porter Martone, James Hagens, and Caleb Desnoyers.
The case for James Hagens
If the San Jose Sharks draft James Hagens at No. 2, they will be set at center for years to come. Hagens draws comparisons to Jack Hughes for his play style—a speedy, undersized playmaker who can fire the puck with the best of them.
Although his offensive upside isn’t as high as Hughes’, Hagens is still viewed as one of the top players to become the best offensive scorer in the 2025 NHL Draft. Playing at Boston College, the Sharks and Grier will have familiarity with how their program develops players, thanks to Will Smith.
Hagens’ 5’11 176 lbs build doesn’t match what Mike Grier has added to the Sharks’ prospect pool. But when you have the offensive upside Hagens does, size doesn’t matter. Misa is a similar size as well.
Do the Sharks take a chance on Roger McQueen?
One of the most unknown prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft, Roger McQueen, has been shooting up draft boards lately. The Brandon Wheat Kings forward played just 17 games due to an injury.
McQueen has informed front offices that he is fully healthy after being misdiagnosed with a bulging disc in his back, rather than a fracture, at the combine.
The 6’5, 192 lbs forward fits more of what the San Jose Sharks have been acquiring. As a fluid skater, McQueen can put him self in tight situations and maintain possession of the puck. He’s got elite edges, which are needed for a big player.
Shakir Mukhamadullin’s skating is a perfect example of size and edgework working in harmony.
McQueen had ten goals and ten assists in 17 games this season.
Sharks could be keen on Porter Martone or Caleb Desnoyers
Like McQueen, both Martone (6’3) and Desnoyers (6’2) are big forwards. Both players are centermen, which isn’t a massive need for the San Jose Sharks.
Martone might be familiar with some of the Sharks’ training goals as he works out with Quentin Musty in the off-season. In 57 games for the Brampton Steelheads, Martone scored 37 goals and 61 assists. He was also added to Team Canada’s IIHF World Championship roster.
Desnoyers dominated the QMJHL for the Moncton Wildcats. In 56 games, Desnoyers had 35 goals and 49 assists. He also led the Wildcats to the Memorial Cup. He had nine goals and 21 assists in 19 playoff games.
While the San Jose Sharks ideally would draft defenseman Matthew Schaefer, there are plenty of top options available after the projected No. 1 pick.
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