While we won't be able to read the outcome of the 2017 entry draft for at least three years, this year's draft class will realize great value in its later rounds. After all, 2015 Art Ross winner Jamie Benn didn't hear his name called until the fifth round, future Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk was still on the board in Round 6, and Pekka Rinne was chosen in a round that no longer exists.
For now, here are three late picks to keep an eye on from the 2017 NHL Draft:
Jason Robertson
Drafted: Round 2, 39th Overall, by the Dallas Stars
In the top third of the second round, the Stars added Kingston forward Jason Robertson, a scoring winger with a big frame who uses his size to generate offensive chances. It's this style of play that likens Robertson to Toronto Maple Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk, according to Last Word on Sports.
While skating deficiencies may be the reason for Robertson's draft-day slide, there is still a lot to like, and no doubt the Stars believe they can cash in on a player who tallied 81 points in 68 games last season to lead the Frontenacs in scoring.
Robertson placed 14th among North American skaters, as ranked by NHL Central Scouting, a significant climb from his 34th slot in the midterms. He will lace up for his third season with Kingston in 2017-18.
The Wild nabbed a modern winger in Ivan Lodnia of the Erie Otters. While undersized, Lodnia's playing style does not reflect his lesser stature, as scouts beam about the American-born winger's knack for maneuvering through the opposition.
A shifty playmaker, Lodnia boasts exceptional skating and high-end hockey sense, abilities that helped him notch 56 points in 66 games in his first OHL season with the Otters. Lodnia continued to impress at the Memorial Cup, adding three points in five games, and then three goals and an assist in four contests with Team USA at the under-18s.
Lodnia placed 36th among North Americans skaters in the final rankings by NHL Central Scouting, a slight uptick from his finish at the midterms. He is expected to return to the Otters next season.
Hockey bloodlines run deep with the Stromes, with brothers Ryan and Dylan both high picks by the New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes, respectively, in recent years. Matthew is the latest Strome brother to come along.
But unlike his brothers, both selected inside the top five, the Flyers called on Matthew in the middle of the fourth round, a steep fall from a year ago when the early projections saw him as first rounder. Scouts point to a slow stride that could hold him back from making it to the next level, but that doesn't mean his game isn't without its strengths.
Already 6-foot-3, Strome is excellent down low, using his size to protect the puck. Coupled with high-end hockey IQ, it is this ability that helped Strome collect 62 points in 66 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs, where he will return next season for his third OHL campaign.
While we likely won't know they all fared for a few years yet, we can take a quick look at the results and assess how the teams made out.
Here's our take on the teams in the Pacific Division:
Anaheim Ducks
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
2
50
Maxime Comtois
2
60
Antoine Morand
3
91
Jack Badini
4
122
Kyle Olsen
5
153
Olle Eriksson Ek
After dealing their first-rounder to acquire Patrick Eaves at last year's trade deadline, the Ducks played shorthanded this weekend, not announcing their first pick until the 50th selection.
Still, Anaheim made the most of it, drafting Victoriaville winger Maxime Comtois in the middle of the second round. Comtois has played two seasons in the QMJHL, where he finished this year with 51 points in 64 games. The French Canadian forward is noted for his versatility, as not only is he familiar with taking faceoffs, he's a left shooter who can play right wing.
With their final pick, the Ducks opted for Olle Eriksson Ek, the second-highest-ranked European netminder and brother of Joel Eriksson Ek, a first-round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2015. With Farjestad Jr. this season, Eriksson Ek appeared in 30 games, posting a 2.16 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.
Grade: C
Arizona Coyotes
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
1
23
Pierre-Olivier Joseph
2
44
Filip Westerlund
3
69
Mackenzie Entwistle
3
75
Nate Schnarr
3
82
Cameron Crotty
4
108
Noel Hoefenmayer
5
126
Michael Karow
5
128
Tyler Steenbergen
7
190
Erik Walli Walterholm
The Coyotes were left with one pick in the opening round after dealing the seventh overall selection to the New York Rangers for Derek Stepan. He fills an immediate need in the desert, while the Coyotes hope Pierre-Olivier Joseph is an option down the road.
Selected with the pick Arizona obtained for Martin Hanzal, Joseph is a smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman who likens his playing style to San Jose Sharks blue-liner Marc-Edouard Vlasic. With Charlottetown this season, Joseph tallied six goals and 33 assists in 62 games.
Outside of the opening round, the Coyotes made an interesting selection in Hamilton forward Mackenzie Entwistle, a budding power forward who plays an effective game by keeping things simple. In his second season in junior, Entwistle finished with 25 points in 54 games.
Grade: B
Calgary Flames
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
1
16
Juuso Valimaki
4
109
Adam Ruzicka
5
140
Zach Fischer
6
171
D'Artagnan Joly
7
202
Filip Sveningsson
Deadline deals to acquire Curtis Lazar and Michael Stone left the Flames with just five picks this weekend, but Calgary still came away with some key selections.
Juuso Valimaki, the No. 16 pick overall, is a dynamic, offensive defenseman who plays a new-age game. Valimaki is noted for his speed and mobility, not to mention strong skating that allows him to join the rush and generate offensive chances. In 60 games with Tri-City this season, Valimaki registered 19 goals and 42 assists, nearly double his 32 points in 2015-16.
With pick No. 109, the Flames added Adam Ruzicka, a Czech-born center whom NHL Central Scouting ranked 37th among North American skaters. At 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, Ruzicka has no shortage of size. He finished his first season with the OHL's Sarnia Sting with 46 points in 61 games.
Grade: C
Edmonton Oilers
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
1
22
Kailer Yamamoto
3
78
Stuart Skinner
3
84
Dmitri Samorukov
4
115
Ostap Safin
5
146
Kirill Maksimov
6
177
Skyler Brind'Amour
7
208
Philip Kemp
Kailer Yamamoto promised Edmonton it'd be a mistake not to choose him, and the Oilers listened, grabbing the Spokane winger 22nd overall.
As the NHL landscape changes, there is more room for players like Yamamoto, a 5-foot-8 offensive dynamo who weighs in at about 150 pounds. But his lack of stature didn't stop Yamamoto from finding the scoresheet in the WHL, finishing the 2016-17 campaign with 99 points in 65 games, tops among his Chiefs' teammates. Yamamoto's playing style is built on speed and quickness, a model he compares to Patrick Kane and Mats Zuccarello.
In Round 6, the Oilers opted for a bloodlines pick, adding Skyler Brind'Amour, son of Rod who captained the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006. Skyler is a product of the U.S. National Development Program and is committed to Michigan State for 2019-20.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Kings
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
1
11
Gabriel Vilardi
2
41
Jaret Anderson-Dolan
3
72
Matt Villalta
4
103
Michael Anderson
5
118
Markus Phillips
5
134
Cole Hunts
5
138
Drake Rymsha
The Kings may have the steal of the draft with Windsor Spitfires center Gabriel Vilardi, a hulking pivot who plays a strong possession game and boasts exceptional hockey sense and puck-handling skills.
While other teams may have been scared off by Vilardi's slow stride, the Kings are confident they can cash in on a player who finished with 61 points in 49 games. Vilardi followed up that performance with seven points in four games en route to a Memorial Cup championship with the Spitfires.
Anderson-Dolan chalks in as another key pick by the Kings, a reliable center with Spokane who excels in the details of the game. He finished the 2016-17 campaign with 76 points in 72 games, trailing only Yamamoto for the team scoring lead.
Grade: A
San Jose Sharks
Draft picks
ROUND
PIKC
PLAYER
1
19
Joshua Norris
2
49
Mario Ferraro
4
102
Scott Reedy
6
159
Jacob McGrew
6
185
Alexander Chmelevski
7
212
Ivan Chekhovich
It was a relatively quiet draft weekend for the Sharks, who had just two picks before the draft boards hit triple digits.
In the opening rounds, the Sharks called the name of Joshua Norris, an American-born center who impressed at the scouting combine, where he took the top spot in five of the 14 fitness tests among the 104 participants. With the U.S. National Development Program Juniors this season, Norris tallied above a point-per-game pace. He then chipped in seven points in as many games with Team USA at the Under-18s. He is committed to the University of Michigan for 2017-18.
In the second round, the Sharks selected Mario Ferraro, a mobile, puck-moving defenseman. At 5-foot-11, Ferraro is a tad undersized to man the blue line, but his skill set is that of a modern rearguard. He tallied 41 points in 60 games this season with the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers.
Grade: B
Vancouver Canucks
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
1
5
Elias Pettersson
2
33
Kole Lind
2
55
Jonah Gadjovich
3
64
Michael DiPietro
4
95
Jack Rathbone
5
135
Kristoffer Gunnarsson
6
181
Petrus Palmu
7
188
Matt Brassard
The Canucks came away with a good haul at the draft, but may have reached by taking Elias Pettersson with the fifth pick. Only time will tell, but Vancouver may have fared better in taking Cody Glass or Casey Mittelstadt, who went sixth and eighth overall, respectively.
Still, Pettersson is no slouch. The Swedish center was the second-best European skater as ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Pettersson boasts a skill set that will have Canucks fans excited, as the slick pivot is known for his quick stride and energetic style. With Timra this season, Pettersson scored 40 points in 43 games, finishing behind only Jonathan Dahlen, a Canucks prospect, for the team lead.
In Round 3, Vancouver added Windsor netminder Michael DiPietro, who put together a strong performance with the Spitfires to capture this year's Memorial Cup. He'll be part of the Canucks' future in the crease, joining the likes of Thatcher Demko, a second-round pick by the Canucks in 2014.
Grade: B
Vegas Golden Knights
Draft picks
ROUND
PICK
PLAYER
1
6
Cody Glass
1
13
Nick Suzuki
1
15
Erik Brannstrom
2
34
Nicolas Hague
2
62
Jake Leschyshyn
3
65
Jonas Rondbjerg
4
96
Maksim Zhukov
5
127
Lucas Elvenes
5
142
Jonathan Dugan
6
158
Nick Campoli
6
161
Jiri Patera
7
189
Ben Jones
Vegas liked their odds with so many spins at the wheel, walking away from their first entry draft with 12 selections.
Key among them was Glass, a highly skilled center with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks. The Golden Knights recognize the value of strength up the middle and trust they have that piece in Glass, a strong playmaker who is a constant scoring threat. Glass led the Winterhawks in scoring this season, wrapping the 2016-17 campaign with 94 points in 69 contests. It was an impressive finish for Glass, to say the least, after he tallied 27 points in the previous season.
Aside from Glass, a handful of other selections highlighted the weekend for the Golden Knights, including Owen Sound center Nick Suzuki, a diminutive but skilled pivot who boasts elite vision and a high hockey IQ. Suzuki scored 96 points in 65 games with the Attack this season. Fellow OHLer Nicolas Hague, a defenseman with Mississauga, was another impressive pick by the Golden Knights.
Eberle appeared in all 82 games with the Oilers last season, registering 20 goals and 31 assists. Through 13 playoff contests, the 27-year-old was limited to just two points.
Strome - selected fifth overall by the Islanders in 2011 - skated in 69 games last season, finishing with 13 goals and 17 assists.
The move is somewhat of salary cap deal for the Oilers. Eberle was slated to earn $6 million over the next two seasons, while Strome is signed through 2017-18 at $2.5 million.
June is an incredibly busy month for the NHL, but that doesn't mean we can't look ahead to what's coming. Free agency begins at 12 p.m. ET on July 1, and we're ranking the top 80 unrestricted free agents in a seven-post series ahead of the madness.
As we count down the UFA market from 20th to 11th, this veteran group ranks near the best of what may be available this summer:
20. Mike Condon (G)
Age on Oct. 1: 27 2016-17 Cap Hit: $575K
With starter Craig Anderson away from the Ottawa Senators to be with his ill wife, the subsequent acquisition of Condon proved to be a season-saver for the Sens.
Stepping into the Ottawa crease, Condon carried the ball for the Senators, including a stretch which saw the netminder make 27 straight appearances. For Condon, it marked the second time he has been thrust into the starter's job after taking over for an injured Carey Price while with the Montreal Canadiens a year ago.
Now facing the possibility of unrestricted free agency, Condon could cash in on his performance, but there are certainly no assurances he'll get an extended stay with the Senators.
19. Brendan Smith (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 28 2016-17 Cap Hit: $2.75M
A market-value contract should keep Smith on the New York Rangers' blue line. That was the stance from his agent, who in May stated Smith likes the Rangers and his role on the team, but he'll need to be shown the money.
Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in a trade deadline deal that saw the Rangers part with a pair of draft choices, Smith impressed during his short showing in Manhattan. In the postseason, he was regularly relied on by coach Alain Vigneault, seeing the third-most ice time among New York defenders.
Early reports indicate it will take north of $4 million annually to keep Smith in New York, a substantial raise from his current cap hit of $2.75 million.
18. Patrick Marleau (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 38 2016-17 Cap Hit: $6.667M
Marleau has been the face of the Sharks since he was selected second overall in 1997, but the team could very well move on from its one-time captain.
Finishing with 27 goals last season, only Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski found the back of the net more often than Marleau. While he's still a contributor, a potential contract extension could pose complications. At 37 years old, it would be favorable for the Sharks to see Marleau accept a one-year deal. Any longer and San Jose runs the risk of an early retirement and being left on the hook for Marleau's cap hit (i.e. the next Pavel Datsyuk).
But in averaging 24 goals over the past three seasons, and not missing a game since 2008-09, Marleau could command a multi-year deal and the dollars to go with it. Still, cap concerns could force Marleau to accept a pay cut if he wishes to remain in the Bay Area.
17. Radim Vrbata (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 36 2016-17 Cap Hit: $1M
Vrbata has made it known he likes life in the desert. After struggling through the 2015-16 season with the Vancouver Canucks, the veteran winger returned for his third tour of duty with the Arizona Coyotes.
Agreeing a bonus-laden contract with Arizona, Vrbata earned a $1-million base salary that later doubled upon reaching games-played and point plateaus. By season's end, Vrbata led the Coyotes with 55 points.
That performance demonstrated that Vrbata hasn't lost his scoring touch. And while he is happy in the desert and is likely to re-sign with the Coyotes, he's proven himself this time around, meaning he's sure to aim for a condition-free contract.
16. Jaromir Jagr (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 45 2016-17 Cap Hit: $4M
Jagr could return to the Florida Panthers next season, but there is no urgency for the future Hall of Famer to put pen to paper.
While the Panthers missed the postseason, it was a successful campaign for Jagr, who surpassed Mark Messier for second all time in NHL scoring, while tallying 46 points to finish fourth in Florida scoring. This coming season, a clean bill of health from top forward Jonathan Huberdeau, who saw just 31 games in 2016-17, should go a long way in returning the Panthers to the playoff picture.
There's no doubt Jagr, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, wants to win, and he'll have a chance to do that next season with Florida.
15. Jonathan Bernier (G)
Age on Oct. 1: 29 2016-17 Cap Hit: $4.15M
Bernier is in a conundrum. He had a solid season, which normally means more money on a new deal; but the reality is that Bernier is sure to see a pay cut.
That's because his previous deal was signed when he was the No. 1 for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a different situation with the Anaheim Ducks, as Bernier played second fiddle to John Gibson.
While there are no assurances Bernier will return to Orange County, the likelihood is he'll only land a similar role elsewhere. At this stage, Bernier is a steady backup who can fill in for a struggling or injured starter. If Anaheim isn't an option, a few teams could add Bernier as part of a goaltending tandem.
14. Brian Elliott (G)
Age on Oct. 1: 32 2016-17 Cap Hit: $2.5M
It was a tale of two seasons in what was surely a short stay for Elliott in Calgary. Acquired from the St. Louis Blues last offseason, Elliott struggled through his early goings in Calgary, winning just three of his first 12 games in a Flames jersey.
That all changed down the season's stretch drive, with Elliott seemingly finding a comfort in Calgary as he rattled off 11 straight victories, pushing the Flames into the postseason for just the second time since 2009.
But in the playoffs, Elliott's play was forgettable, as the Flames were swept by the Ducks. It all came crashing down in Game 4, when Elliott lasted just six minutes, three shots, and one goal against before getting the early hook, effectively ending his time in Calgary.
13. Ryan Miller (G)
Age on Oct. 1: 37 2016-17 Cap Hit: $6M
The Canucks have expressed interest in bringing back Miller, and that feeling may be mutual, with Miller preferring life on the west coast. The issue lies in Vancouver's plans for the veteran netminder, which could see Miller slide into a secondary role behind up-and-comer Jacob Markstrom.
This despite Miller owning a save rate that outpaced not only Markstrom, but the likes of Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Jones, both highly regarded goalies on teams that qualified for the postseason. Not to mention their squads had far superior supporting casts when compared to the Canucks.
While Miller is unlikely to lock down a starter's role, odds are that he can find a situation better than Vancouver, which finished second to last in 2016-17. The 37-year-old remains on the lookout for his first Stanley Cup and he'll need to venture outside of British Columbia for a shot to win it all.
12. Justin Williams (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 35 2016-17 Cap Hit: $3.25M
"Mr. Game 7" should have plenty of suitors this offseason. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and 2014 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is one of many Washington Capitals eligible for unrestricted free agency, and that cap crunch could leave Williams looking elsewhere for work.
Williams had a solid season with the Capitals, potting 48 points, which ranks him among the top five right-wingers who could reach free agency. Meanwhile, his 24 goals sit third, behind only Patrick Eaves and teammate T.J. Oshie.
For teams seeking experience, particularly a veteran who often plays the playoff hero, they'd be hard-pressed to fare better than Williams.
11. Andrei Markov (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 38 2016-17 Cap Hit: $5.75M
It would be strange to see Markov suiting up in another uniform, but Montreal fans shouldn't worry. The career Canadien still fills a role for the Habs - that is, a veteran puck-mover on the left side of the blue line. In all likelihood, it's only a matter of time before Markov re-ups in Montreal.
Appearing in 62 games last season, Markov put together a 36-point campaign, second to only Shea Weber among Montreal defensemen. That averages to 0.58 points per game, consistent with Markov's production rate over the past three seasons.
Looking forward, the veteran blue-liner has earned a similar pay clip, but likely on a one-year term, given the restrictions of contracts signed after 35.
That adage proved true again with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who on Sunday captured their second-straight Stanley Cup, doing so on the backs of a mishmash of a blue line.
While there is no top-notch defender among them, collectively they pushed the Penguins to a second consecutive championship.
"We call them the Motley Crue," said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, according to Sportsnet's John Shannon. "They are our unsung heroes ... We couldn't be more proud of them back there."
Among them is the 36-year-old Hainsey, who arrived in Pittsburgh at the deadline following a trade from the Carolina Hurricanes having never skated in the postseason. In the eight weeks that followed, he went from playoff rookie to Stanley Cup champion.
The Penguins' defensive core is reminiscent of the rearguards who guided the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006, a group of wily veterans and strong defenders, but one that wouldn't be confused for a collection of Norris Trophy nominees.
That Hurricanes team was the most recent outfit to win it all without a No. 1 defenseman, and was a squad assembled by Jim Rutherford, now the general manager of the Penguins who has laid a similar blueprint in Pittsburgh.
"You can do it without a No. 1 guy," Rutherford told Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You've got to manage their minutes, those guys have got to play within themselves and that's what our six defensemen did. They played at the highest level they could and got it done."
With the injured Kris Letang on the sidelines, the Penguins' blue-liners who hoisted the Stanley Cup on Sunday were the first group to do so without a Norris vote among the pact.
Winning back-to-back Stanley Cups is one thing, especially in the salary cap era, but doing so without Letang, the team's top defenseman, spoke volumes about Pittsburgh's accomplishment.
Letang, of course, has been out of the lineup since February, but that didn't stop him from being a part of the team's playoff run, sticking around the locker room to share his insights with his fellow defensemen.
But with Letang only left to watch, many had written off the Penguins. It was that perception led the rest of the defensive core to step up, and their play was not lost on captain Sidney Crosby.
"They know the pressure that comes with losing a guy who plays 25 to 30 minutes. They weren't intimidated by it and they took it on. They proved what they're capable of," Crosby told reporters following the victory. "I can't say enough about that group. It was pretty difficult what they were able to do night in and night out."
That feeling across the Penguins' blue line stirred the belief the team could once again claim the Stanley Cup.
"Not too shabby for a 'D' corps that wasn't very good," Cole quipped to Werner. "I think everyone kind of wrote us off when (Letang got hurt). He was such a big part of our run last year, but everyone stuck together, everyone probably assumed a little larger role and elevated their game."
Following the Pittsburgh Penguins hoisting the Stanley Cup on Sunday, doing so after defeating Nashville in six games, it took little time for the Predators to look to the future.
"The biggest thing we've got to take from this is remember the feeling. I don't think you want to fight it. Just let it sink and take it because to get back here that is what is going to drive us," Subban said on Hockey Night in Canada. "We're going to be back here again next year."
Sidney Crosby is the most valuable player of the playoffs.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain finished the postseason with eight goals and 19 assists in 25 games. It is the second straight Conn Smythe Trophy win for Crosby, who captured the award a year ago when the Penguins defeated the San Jose Sharks to win the Stanley Cup.
Crosby becomes just the third player to win back-to-back Conn Smythes. Goaltender Bernie Parent did so with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974 and 1975, while Mario Lemieux did the same with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992.
The Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators in six games to capture their fifth championship in franchise history.
With the offseason underway for a number of teams and the remainder to join them in a few weeks, we're looking at what's in store for each club in the coming months.
2016-17 Grade: B
The San Jose Sharks fell in the first round of the playoffs, unable to build on last year's trip to the Stanley Cup Final, as the injury-riddled squad was eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in six games.
Free Agents
Two players stand out among the handful of skaters due new contracts come July 1: Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
Both former Sharks captains, the aging scorers are still seen as important pieces of San Jose's core. However, the challenge with any new deal will be term, as contracts signed after age 35 can have long-term salary cap implications.
Player (Position)
2017-18 Status
Age
2016-17 Cap Hit
'16-17 Points
Joe Thornton (F)
UFA
37
$6.75M
50
Patrick Marleau (F)
UFA
37
$6.667M
46
Micheal Haley (F)
UFA
31
$625K
12
Chris Tierney (F)
RFA
22
$712K
23
2017 Draft Picks
The Sharks have seven picks in the coming draft. After the first round, San Jose won't pick again until Round 5, having traded its second-, third-, and fourth-rounders. Those selections acquired Roman Polak, Nick Spaling, and Jannik Hansen, plus a compensatory pick was sent to New Jersey for coach Peter DeBoer.
Round
Picks
1
1
2
0
3
0
4
0
5
1
6
2 (Own & Coyotes)
7
3 (Own & Blackhawks & Senators)
Summer Priorities
1. Bring back Thornton, move on from Marleau
Thornton's production fell to 50 points this season, down from 82 the previous year. While he's no longer the face of the franchise - that title belongs to defenseman Brent Burns - there is still value in size up the middle, and the Sharks have that in spades in Thornton.
As for Marleau, he's been a loyal soldier for the franchise that drafted him second overall in 1997, but looming cap concerns could force the longest-standing Shark to test the free-agent waters this summer.
2. Rest and relaxation to prepare for another Cup run
It's difficult to make repeat trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, let alone win it all. The Sharks whiffed in the playoffs this year, but an extended offseason could pay big dividends for a squad which played 106 games last year and followed it up with another 88 contests this campaign.
An extended summer will also aid the ailing Sharks in recovering from an injury-riddled postseason, in which all of Thornton, Marleau, Tomas Hertl, and Logan Couture played banged up.
3. Inject new blood to the forward ranks
Look for San Jose to add some youth next season, headlined by 2015 top pick Timo Meier. The 20-year-old split this season between the Sharks and the minors, where he finished with 23 points in 33 games with the AHL's Barracudas. He's ready for full-time NHL duty next season.
Sharks fans will also be reminded of Hertl, who was limited to 49 games this season due to a knee injury. The 23-year-old was one of the team's most exciting players a year ago, when he finished with 46 points in 81 games.
2017-18 Outlook
The Sharks' Stanley Cup window hasn't fully closed, but the team's shot at winning it all is becoming increasingly slim as its core ages.
The pieces are there - Pavelski, Couture, Burns, and goaltender Martin Jones - for the Sharks to continue to contend, but the team needs to add more flair to its lineup to keep up with the best of the West. San Jose's 221 goals this season ranked a pedestrian 19th.
Last year's big-ticket free agent, Mikkel Boedker, failed to deliver on offense, as he chipped in just 10 goals. The Sharks need more from him, while they will also look to their young talent in Meier and Hertl to take the next step. The Sharks' core can contribute, but more is needed across the board in order for San Jose to keep its place in the contender's circle.
