Sharks’ 20 All-Time Worst Draft Picks
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The Hockey Writers
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In examining the history of the San Jose Sharks, several draft picks stand out as missed opportunities that still haunt the franchise. Notably, the Sharks have selected players such as Pat Falloon and Timo Meier with high hopes, but not all have lived up to expectations. Falloon, chosen second overall in 1991, struggled to match the success of contemporaries like Erik Lindros and Pavel Bure, ultimately leading to frustration for the Sharks and their fanbase.
The Sharks also faced a significant setback with the 1998 draft, where they opted for a lesser-known name, Kyle McLaren, over talents like Brad Stuart and other future stars. McLaren, while a serviceable player, never achieved the level of influence one hopes for from a high first-round selection. Moreover, the decision to draft James Sheppard in 2006, bypassing prospects like Phil Kessel and Mike Green, continues to be scrutinized as it represented a pivotal moment that could have changed the trajectory of the franchise.
Additionally, the idea that drafting is as much art as science has never been truer for the Sharks. Missed opportunities abound as talent slips through their fingers. Yet, even with the retrospective disappointment, there remain bright spots in their scouting, like acquiring promising young talents through trades and later picks, indicating potential resurgence in future drafts. Sharks fans eagerly await a new wave of talent that can finally change the fortunes of the franchise and bring the long-desired Stanley Cup home.
The Sharks also faced a significant setback with the 1998 draft, where they opted for a lesser-known name, Kyle McLaren, over talents like Brad Stuart and other future stars. McLaren, while a serviceable player, never achieved the level of influence one hopes for from a high first-round selection. Moreover, the decision to draft James Sheppard in 2006, bypassing prospects like Phil Kessel and Mike Green, continues to be scrutinized as it represented a pivotal moment that could have changed the trajectory of the franchise.
Additionally, the idea that drafting is as much art as science has never been truer for the Sharks. Missed opportunities abound as talent slips through their fingers. Yet, even with the retrospective disappointment, there remain bright spots in their scouting, like acquiring promising young talents through trades and later picks, indicating potential resurgence in future drafts. Sharks fans eagerly await a new wave of talent that can finally change the fortunes of the franchise and bring the long-desired Stanley Cup home.