Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier gives a speech in memory of former player and scout Bryan Marchment before Filip Bystedt (not pictured) is selected as the number twenty-seven overall pick to the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier gives a speech in memory of former player and scout Bryan Marchment before Filip Bystedt (not pictured) is selected as the number twenty-seven overall pick to the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier recalled the significance of the NHL Draft this week. With the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft set for Friday night at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, Grier spoke about what draft day meant to him as a former player.
In an interview ahead of the draft, Grier was asked if overseeing the top selection brought back memories of his own draft experience.
"Not really, not where I was picked," Grier said. "They don't even have that round [9th] anymore."
Grier quickly explained what the draft means for the young players whose names are called early.
"The draft is a fun day for the kids, though," he said. "I always think of it as a day to repay your family, friends and siblings and coaches growing up, all the people that helped you get there."
His advice to this year's prospects was to stay present rather than worrying about what’s coming ahead.
"It's a moment that you really got to soak in and absorb and take it in and just really enjoy it," he said. "Not worry about what's down the road, but just be in the moment with your family and friends and give thanks to all those people that helped you."
Grier played 14 seasons in the NHL and then went on to become the first Black general manager in league history. San Jose hired him in 2022, and ever since then, he has overseen major rebuilds in the game. The Sharks led by 34 points last season, finishing with 86 points, and they narrowly missed the playoffs.
Sharks weigh trade options at No. 2
San Jose enters the draft Friday with three first-round picks with No. 2, No. 9, and No. 27. But the No. 2 selection is the main deal of the league's offseason conversation.
Grier made it clear that the Sharks are open to moving it.
"It's something we're not afraid to do and try to get in on," he said, per NHL.com. "I think we're at the right spot in our path here to possibly add a big piece."
"There's probably been five teams that have been very consistently serious about it," Grier said. "We've received a couple of legitimate offers that we've had to really think through and have conversations about."
This pick allows the team to select either Ivar Stenberg or Gavin McKenna, depending on what the Toronto Maple Leafs do at No. 1.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at NHL Fan Central!
Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore