Sharks Prospects Postseason Breakdown

Kasper Halttunen

Introducing Kasper Halttunen, a rising star in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and a pivotal forward for the London Knights. Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, this 18-year-old athlete stands tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs a formidable 207 pounds, bringing a combination of size and skill to the ice. Selected by the Sharks as the 36th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Halttunen has quickly made his mark with his exceptional talent and versatility.

Throughout the OHL season, Halttunen has proven himself as a valuable asset for the London Knights, contributing significantly to their offensive firepower. In 57 games played, he has notched an impressive 32 goals and dished out 29 assists, accumulating a total of 61 points. His ability to find the back of the net with precision and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been instrumental in the Knights' success. As the playoffs kick off on March 29 against the Flint Firebirds, Halttunen will undoubtedly be a key player to watch as he looks to help lead his team to postseason glory.

Playoff Schedule:

OHL Championship schedule:

• Thu. May 9: London Knights vs. Oshawa Generals 4 p.m. (PST)
• Sat. May 11: London Knights vs. Oshawa Generals 4 p.m. (PST)
• Mon. May 13: London Knights @ Oshawa Generals 4 p.m. (PST)
• Wed. May 15: London Knights @ Oshawa Generals 4 p.m. (PST)
• Fri. May 17: London Knights vs. Oshawa Generals 4 p.m. (PST)*
• Sun. May 19: London Knights @ Oshawa Generals TBD*
• Mon. May 20: London Knights vs. Oshawa Generals TBD*

*If Necessary

Conference final schedule:

• Fri. Apr 26: W, 3-1 vs. Saginaw Spirit
• Sun. Apr. 28: W, 3-1 vs. Saginaw Spirit
• Mon. Apr. 29: L, 6-2 @ Saginaw Spirit
• Wed. May 1: W, 7-3 @ Saginaw Spirit
• Fri. May 3: L, 4-2 vs Saginaw Spirit
• Sun. May 5: W, 4-2 @ Saginaw Spirit

Round 2:

• Thu. Apr 11: W, 5-3 vs. Kitchener Rangers
• Sat. Apr 13: W, 5-1 vs. Kitchener Rangers
• Tue. Apr 16: W, 6-4 @ Kitchener Rangers
• Thu. Apr 18: W, 4-3 @ Kitchener Rangers

Round 1:

• Fri. Mar 29: W, 3-0 vs. Flint Firebirds
• Sun. Mar 31: W, 6-4 vs. Flint Firebirds
• Tue. Apr 2: W, 4-3 (OT) @ Flint Firebirds
• Thu. Apr 4: W, 3-2 @ Flint Firebirds

Luca Cagnoni

Luca Cagnoni, a standout defenseman for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Hailing from Burnaby, BC this 19-year-old talent stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs in at 183 pounds, showcasing his tenacity and skill on the ice. Despite being selected by the Sharks as the 123rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Cagnoni has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the WHL.

Throughout the rigorous WHL season, Cagnoni has been a cornerstone of the Portland Winterhawks' defensive unit while also making significant contributions on the offensive end. In 65 games played, he has recorded an impressive 18 goals and an outstanding 72 assists, totaling an impressive 90 points. His ability to quarterback plays from the blue line and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates has been instrumental in the Winterhawks' success. As the playoffs commence on March 29 against the Victoria Royals, Cagnoni will undoubtedly be a pivotal player to watch as he looks to lead his team to postseason glory and further establish himself as a rising star in the world of hockey.

Playoff Schedule:

WHL Championship: 

• Fri. May 10: Portland Winterhawks vs. Moose Jaw Warriors 7 p.m. (PST)
• Sat. May 11: Portland Winterhawks vs. Moose Jaw Warriors 7 p.m. (PST)
• Tue. May 14: Portland Winterhawks @ Moose Jaw Warriors 7 p.m. (PST)
• Wed. May 15: Portland Winterhawks @ Moose Jaw Warriors 7 p.m. (PST)
• Fri. May 17: Portland Winterhawks @ Moose Jaw Warriors 7 p.m. (PST)*
• Sun. May 19: Portland Winterhawks vs. Moose Jaw Warriors TBD*
• Mon. May 20: Portland Winterhawks vs. Moose Jaw Warriors TBD*

Western Conference Championship:

• Fri. Apr 26: L, 5-0 @ Prince George Cougars
• Sat. Apr 27: W, 5-3 @ Prince George Cougars
• Mon. Apr 29: W, 4-1 vs. Prince George Cougars
• Wed. May 1: W, 5-2 vs. Prince George Cougars
• Thu. May 2: L, 6-1 vs. Prince George Cougars
• Mon. May 6: W, 2-1 (2OT) @ Prince George Cougars

Round 2:

• Fri. Apr 12: W, 8-2 vs. Everett Silvertips
• Sat. Apr 13: W, 6-1 vs. Everett Silvertips
• Mon. Apr 15: W, 4-3 (OT) @ Everett Silvertips
• Fri. Apr 19: W, 5-0 @ Everett Silvertips

Round 1:

• Fri. Mar 29: W, 4-3 vs. Victoria Royals
• Sun. Mar 31: W, 5-1 vs. Victoria Royals
• Tue. Apr 2: W, 6-5 @ Victoria Royals
• Wed. Apr 3: W, 4-1 @ Victoria Royals

Ozzy Wiesblatt

Introducing Ozzy Wiesblatt. Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, this 22-year-old athlete stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs in at 185 pounds, embodying speed and skill. Selected by the Sharks as the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Wiesblatt was loaned to Milwaukee on March 16 to allow him to gain valuable playoff experience.

In his 14 games played with Milwaukee he has recorded 1 goal and 5 assists for a total of 6 points. Before the loan, Wiesblatt notched three goals and eight assists in 34 games with the San Jose Barracuda.

Playoff Schedule:

• Thu. May 2: L, 6-3 @ Texas Stars
• Sat. May 4: L, 4-1 @ Texas Stars
• Wed. May 8: Milwaukee Admirals vs. Texas Stars 5 p.m. (PST)
• Fri. May 10: Milwaukee Admirals vs. Texas Stars 5 p.m. (PST)*
• Sun. May 12: Milwaukee Admirals vs. Texas Stars 3 p.m. (PST)*

*If Necessary

Brandon Svoboda

Meet Brandon Svoboda, a dynamic forward for the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Hailing from Level Green, Pennsylvania, this 19-year-old athlete stands tall at an imposing 6 feet 3 inches and weighs in at 208 pounds, possessing both size and skill on the ice. Selected by the Sharks as the 71st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has started to make his mark with his versatility abilities.

Svoboda has proven himself a valuable asset for the Fargo Force, contributing to their offensive firepower. Since being acquired by the Force he’s put up nine points (5g, 4a) in 15 games played.

Playoff Schedule:

Clark Cup Final: 

• Fri. May 10: Fargo Force vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints 5 p.m. (PST)
• Sat. May 11: Fargo Force vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints 4 p.m. (PST)
• Fri. May 17: Fargo Force @ Dubuque Fighting Saints 5 p.m. (PST)
• Sat. May 18: Fargo Force @ Dubuque Fighting Saints 5 p.m. (PST)*
• Tue. May 21: Fargo Force vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints 5 p.m. (PST)*

Round 3:

• Sun. Apr. 28: W, 3-1 vs. Sioux City Musketeers
• Mon. Apr. 29: L, 4-1 vs. Sioux City Musketeers
• Thu. May 2: L, 5-2 @ Sioux City Musketeers
• Fri. May 3: W, 5-0 @ Sioux City Musketeers
• Sun. May 5: W, 4-0 vs Sioux City Musketeers

*If necessary

Second Round:

• Sat. Apr. 20: W, 3-1 vs. Tri-City Storm
• Mon. Apr. 22: W, 3-1 vs. Tri-City Storm
• Wed. Apr. 24: W, 5-3 @ Tri-City Storm

David Klee

Meet David Klee, an emerging talent for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Hailing from Castle Rock, Colorado, this 18-year-old forward stands at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 182 pounds, showcasing a blend of size and skill on the ice. Selected by the Sharks as the 196th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Klee has quickly made his presence felt with his scoring touch and playmaking ability.

Klee has proven himself as a potent offensive contributor for Muskegon, finishing seventh on the club with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists). His ability to find the back of the net with precision and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates has been instrumental in the Lumberjacks' success.

Playoff Schedule:

Eastern Conference Final:

• Sun. Apr. 28: L, 4-3 (OT) @ Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Mon. Apr. 29: L, 4-3 @ Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Thu. May 2: L, 4-0 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints

*If Necessary

Second Round:

• Sat. Apr. 20: L, 4-3 vs. Green Bay Gamblers
• Sun. Apr. 21: W, 4-1 vs. Green Bay Gamblers
• Tue. Apr. 23: W, 2-0 @ Green Bay Gamblers
• Wed. Apr. 24: L, 2-1 @ Green Bay Gamblers
• Fri. Apr. 26: W, 4-3 (2OT) vs. Green Bay Gamblers

*If Necessary

Will Smith

Meet Will Smith, a rising star in the world of college hockey and a formidable force on the ice for Boston College in the NCAA. As a forward hailing from Lexington, Massachusetts, Will Smith stands tall at 6 feet and weighs 181 pounds. At just 19 years old, he has already made a significant impact with his outstanding performance, catching the eye of NHL scouts and securing a spot with the Sharks as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

In the current season, Will Smith has been nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating his offensive prowess with an impressive stat line that speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. His ability to find the back of the net with precision and set up his teammates for scoring opportunities showcases his versatility and hockey IQ. With each game, Will Smith continues to solidify his status as a top-tier talent in college hockey, leaving a lasting impression on fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

Smith finished his freshman season with 25 goals, 46 assists for 71 points in 41 games. 

Playoff schedule:

• Fri. March 29: W, 6-1 vs. Michigan Tech
• Sun. March 31: W, 5-4 (OT) vs. Quinnipiac
• Thu. April 11: W, 4-0 Frozen Four vs. Michigan
• Sat. April 13: L, 2-0 NCAA Championship Game, Boston College vs. University of Denver

Quentin Musty

Meet Quentin Musty, a young rising star in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and an offensive force on the ice for the Sudbury Wolves. Born in Hamburg, New York, this 18-year-old forward stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs in at 197 pounds, embodying both physicality and finesse on the rink. Acquired by the Sharks as the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Musty has quickly garnered attention for his exceptional talent and potential.

Musty has been a standout performer throughout the current OHL season, demonstrating his offensive prowess with an impressive stat line. In 53 games played, he has notched an incredible 43 goals and added 59 assists, totaling a staggering 102 points. His ability to light up the scoreboard and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been instrumental in the Sudbury Wolves' success. As the playoffs commence on March 28, all eyes will be on Musty as he looks to lead his team to glory and further solidify his status as one of the most promising talents in junior hockey.

Musty finished the year with 45 goals, 67 points and 112 points. 

Playoff Schedule:

Round 2:

• Thu. Apr 11: L, 5-2 @ North Bay Battalion
• Sat. Apr 13: L, 5-1 @ North Bay Battalion
• Tue. Apr 16: L, 6-5 (OT) vs. North Bay Battalion
• Thu. Apr 18: L, 5-0 vs. North Bay Battalion

*If necessary

Round 1:

• Thur. March 28: W, 3-0 @ Mississauga Steelheads
• Sat. March 30: W, 6-5 (OT) @ Mississauga Steelheads
• Mon. April 1: L, 4-2 vs Mississauga Steelheads
• Wed. April 3: W, 5-3 vs Mississauga Steelheads
• Fri. April 5: W, 6-2 @ Mississauga Steelheads

Jake Furlong

Introducing Jake Furlong, defenseman for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Hailing from Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, this 20-year-old defenseman stands tall at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs in at 190 pounds, bringing a blend of physicality and skill to the ice. Despite being selected by the Sharks as the 140th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Furlong has showcased his value as a reliable presence for the Mooseheads.

Throughout the QMJHL season, Furlong has been a steady force for the Halifax Mooseheads, contributing both defensively and offensively. In 56 games played, he has notched 3 goals and provided 27 assists, totaling 30 points. His defensive prowess, coupled with his ability to move the puck effectively, has aided his team's success.

As playoffs commence, Furlong won't be on the ice for the Mooseheads due to injury that's ruled him out.

David Edstrom

Meet David Edstrom, a promising forward for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, this 19-year-old athlete stands tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs in at 190 pounds, embodying the physicality and finesse characteristic of top-tier hockey players. Edstrom is tied for first among U-19 SHL skaters in assists (12), second in points (19), and third in goals (7).

Edstrom joined the Sharks via trade from the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2024. As the playoffs commence on March 28 against Leksands Idrottsförening, Edstrom finds himself in a position to make a significant impact on his team's postseason aspirations. With his combination of size, skill, and determination, Edstrom is poised to elevate his game when it matters most, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and solidifying his place as a key player for Frölunda HC in their quest for championship glory in the SHL.

Edstrom finished the year with nine goals and 16 assists in 58 games.

Playoff Schedule:

Semifinals:

• Sat. Apr 6: L, 5-2 @ Skellefteå AIK
• Mon. Apr 8: L, 3-2 (OT) @ Skellefteå AIK
• Wed. Apr 10: W, 2-0 vs. Skellefteå AIK
• Fri. Apr 12: L, 7-6 vs. Skellefteå AIK
• Sun. Apr 14: W, 4-3 @ Skellefteå AIK
• Tue. Apr 16: W, 3-1 vs. Skellefteå AIK
• Thu. Apr 18: L, 4-1 @ Skellefteå AIK

Round 1:

• Fri. March 22: L, 2-1 (OT) vs. Leksands Idrottsförening
• Sun. March 24: W, 4-2 vs. Leksands Idrottsförening
• Tue. March 26: W, 2-1 @ Leksands Idrottsförening
• Thu. March 28: L, 2-0 vs. Leksands Idrottsförening
• Sat. March 30: W, 5-2 vs. Leksands Idrottsförening
• Mon. April 1: L, 5-2 @ Leksands Idrottsförening
• Wed. April 3: W, 3-2 (OT) vs. Leksands Idrottsförening

Prospect Notes:

• Filip Bystedt and Mattias Hävelid both play for Linköping HC in the Swedish Hockey League and were eliminated from postseason contention. Havelid recorded 2 goals and 10 assists for a total of 12 points in 43 games this season. Bystedt posted 8 goals and 9 assists for a total of 17 points in 47 games this season.