It is widely assumed that the Sharks select Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, but how will San Jose approach its No. 14 pick?
Talking about the “NHL Draft Class Podcast“, Sharks director of amateur scouting Chris Morehouse revealed the front office’s draft strategy, specifically in an area of the draft where each team’s picks can become much more difficult to predict.
“It’s a difficult question to ask,” Morehouse said. “I still think in that area of the draft you’re still gravitating toward the talent aspect.
“I think there are some situations where you start with need versus want versus the best talent available. “You also want to recruit a kid who will be in the best situation to be successful.”
Last summer, the Sharks acquired the 14th pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in Erik Karlsson’s trade.
And while Morehouse was unclear on the direction the Sharks will take after presumably selecting Celebrini, the manager admitted that it is his and his staff’s job to debunk draft projection lists that are highly influenced by members of the media.
For him, the Sharks will ultimately do what makes sense for the organization and the player at all levels of the game, both on and off the ice, and won’t let only the best available factor decide.
“The general consensus’ idea of the best player available might not be ours,” Morehouse added. “So that’s where the question arises ‘Why did they do that?’ Well, if you think about it, we’re trying to build a team. We are not necessarily thinking about that value, that player.
“On our team, it may not have the same value if you take that player and put him somewhere else.”
With a rebuild in progress, it remains intriguing how the Sharks will follow up on the franchise’s first No. 1 pick in an NHL draft.
What is expected from San José, now low new coach Ryan Warsofskyon June 28 at Sphere in Las Vegas is to continue building towards better days at SAP Center.
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