The San Jose Sharks are signing college free agent Collin Graf to an entry-level contract.
Graf was one of the top college free agents and he had internet from teams last spring but returned for another season with Quinnipiac.
Graf is a six-foot, 180-pound, 21-year-old, right-shot forward who has averaged 1.59 points per game this season at Quinnipiac. That makes him the fifth-highest per game point producer in the entire NCAA, contributing 20 goals and 26 assists in 29 games.
“Graf has excelled at the collegiate level, finishing as a Hobey Baker Top-10 finalist for the last two seasons,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “His on-ice awareness allows him to process the game at a high level and is a unique player with a quality 200-foot game who excels in the offensive zone. We are excited to have him join the organization.”
In 34 games, Graf had 22 goals and 49 points points. Graf helped the Bobcats win the NCAA national championship in the 2022-23 season as a sophomore, scoring a third-period, game-tying goal with 2:47 remaining in regulation to force the contest to a decisive overtime.
According to Sportsnet's Jason Bukala the Sharks will be hoping his offensive element translates to a top-six role at the NHL level. He won’t come cheap, though, as he signed for $3.85 million - an AAV of $1.28 million, and a salary cap hit of $941,677 over the three-year term.
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