NHL Rumors: San Jose Sharks Could Use Some Quality Veterans In Celebrini And Smith

Sportsnet: Curtis Pashelka on the Jeff Marek Show when asked what the San Jose Sharks will want to do around young players Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.

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Marek: “I don't know if there is an offer that (Sharks GM) Mike Grier will look at that would allow him to consider removing the first pick in the draft.” But I mean, all things go according to plan, the San Jose Sharks draft Macklin Celebrini. They're going up, they're going with Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini for the next 10 or 12 years.

Where is the next area you think Sharks GM Mike Grier needs to improve? What is your next business plan here?

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Pashelka: “Well, I think you'd like to add some, some, high-level veterans to support these, these young players here. You know, guys around the league that are doing things the right way or kind of adding to the culture as a foundation, you know, that Mike Grier is trying to build here so I think, that's probably Next.

Of course, the Sharks have a lot of cap space to play with. I don't see them going out and spending big time on free agents or offering long-term deals to guys in their early 20s, that kind of thing.

But for sure, you want to have other guys to help these young players and teach them, you know, what it's like to be in the NHL. You know, a full month, you know, play what it's like to play a 6/7 month season, you know, these guys played twice a week for, you know, four or five months. Now you have to go play it three, four times a week against older men who were big, strong, did this for a living.

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So you need some type, some of those types of players to help those guys and you know, I wouldn't be surprised if the Sharks make some changes on defense, to shore up that area as well.”