Max Miller
BUFFALO — The San Jose Sharks selected San Jose native Jake Gustafson with the 174th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Gustafson is the son of Jon Gustafson, the Senior Vice President, SAP Center & Sharks Ice. Born and raised in San Jose, Jake grew up a San Jose Sharks fan. Jake played for the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, recording 13 goals and 12 assists in 68 games.
“It’s a dream come true to play for my hometown team. I grew up cheering for them. rooting for them. It’s just a dream come true,” Gustafson said.
Per his Elite Prospects page, Jake is headed to Colorado College in the NCAA. Jake will follow in his father’s footsteps and play where his dad did as a goalie from 1987 to 1990. Unlike his father, Jake is a defensive centerman who has shown flashes of high offensive skill.
Playing in a defensive bottom-six role might not give Gustafson the best chance to make an impression, but the San Jose Sharks have seen him up close his entire life.
“I was sitting outside, just waiting, watching, hoping that every time the Sharks came by, they were gonna pick me,” Gustafson said. “Thankfully, the time came around. Mike Grier gave me a call, and he called my dad, actually. Then Dad handed me the phone. It was a pretty special moment.”
Gustafson will take part in the San Jose Sharks development camp with the shortest travel of any player attending.
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