Sharks Sign 2024 3rd Round Pick Before Rights Expire

The San Jose Sharks announced that they have signed 2024 NHL Draft 3rd-round pick Carson Wetsch to an entry-level contract.

This move was important for the Sharks to keep Wetsch within the organization, as his signing rights were set to expire on June 1st. If the Sharks had not signed the winger to his ELC, he would’ve been eligible to re-enter the NHL Draft in June.

“Carson brings size, scoring touch, a high-motor and strong character to our organization,” San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said in a release. “We are excited to add him to our group and continue his development in San Jose.”

While the winger doesn’t project to be a top forward in the NHL, he certainly has made an impression with the current coaching staff. Whether through his work ethic or leadership, his performance during training camp in 2025 earned him a look in one preseason game. Coach Ryan Warsofsky spoke highly of the 20-year-old at the time, and now he will turn pro full-time.

“Every single day, he has gone in better, more comfortable. Playing with the puck, the game slowing down for him, a little bit. [He’s] completely locked in during video meetings. Completely locked in,” the Sharks coach said on Sept. 26. “Guys are asked to answer, and he’s ready with the answer. He pays attention. Not only does he pay attention in here, [but he] goes out there, and he does it right. He picks things up really quickly, and he goes out there and executes it.”

Wetsch was named captain of the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL this season. In 65 games, the San Jose Sharks prospect had 72 points (22 goals, 50 assists). He also played eight playoff games, scoring two goals and two assists.