The San Jose Sharks are making waves as they finalize their opening night roster, and here’s the part that’s got everyone talking: Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson, two highly touted prospects, are poised to make their NHL debuts on October 9th against the Vegas Golden Knights. But here’s where it gets controversial—is the team rushing these young talents into the spotlight, or is this the perfect moment to unleash their potential? Let’s dive in.
The Sharks recently sent four players down, including Pavol Regenda, who cleared waivers, and prospects Ethan Cardwell, Zack Ostapchuk, and Luca Cagnoni, who were reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda. This move not only trims the roster but also signals a clearer path for the team’s opening night lineup, which has already been submitted to the league. While this isn’t the final roster, it gives us a solid glimpse into what’s to come.
Forwards and Goaltenders:
The forward group is shaping up to be a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Names like Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, and Ryan Reaves are joined by newcomers like Will Smith and Michael Misa. The goaltending duo of Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic promises stability between the pipes. Notably, Egor Afanasyev is expected to start the season on Injured Reserve (IR), which opens up opportunities for others to step into the spotlight.
Defensemen:
The blueline is where things get interesting. With Jack Thompson’s status still uncertain—he’s likely headed to IR as well—the defense corps includes Vincent Desharnais, Mario Ferraro, John Klingberg, and Dmitry Orlov, among others. But here’s the kicker: if Thompson doesn’t land on IR, another defenseman from this group might have to take his place. And this is the part most people miss—with the opening night roster submission deadline already passed (2 PM PT today), there’s no room for last-minute trades or waivers.
The Big Question:
Are Misa and Dickinson ready for the NHL stage? While both players have shown immense promise—Misa as the 2025 No. 2 pick and Dickinson as the 2024 No. 11 pick—their debut against a powerhouse like the Vegas Golden Knights is no small feat. Is this a bold move to inject youth and energy into the team, or is it a risky gamble? Weigh in below—do you think the Sharks are making the right call, or are they setting these prospects up for a tough start?
The final rosters will be released tomorrow morning by the NHL, but for now, all eyes are on San Jose. Will Misa and Dickinson shine, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell. Let the debate begin!
