The San Jose Sharks have an impressive roster of players this season, Mikael Granlund being one of them. Granlund has been a shining star for the Sharks, especially when they are struggling to find the net. However, his performance alone cannot bring the Sharks to the top, but his skill and experience have motivated others to work harder. His ability to set up his teammates for plays makes him one of the most important players on the ice.
Mikael Granlund’s Impact on the Top Line
Granlund is currently playing on the top line as a replacement for Macklin Celebrini, who remains out with a lower-body injury. He is playing alongside William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli. Their line has been carrying the Sharks offence each game and they have seen the most success while on the ice.
The Sharks faced the Utah Hockey Club on October 28th, where they were down 4-1 going into the third period. With only five minutes left in the third period, Granlund set Fabian Zetterlund up for this second goal of the night. Furthermore, Granlund then scored seconds later, bringing the Sharks back into the game. Within two minutes into overtime, the Sharks found themselves on a power play. Granlund sent the puck to Alex Wennberg, where he scored the winning goal. Granlund’s top line recorded two goals and four assists to help the Sharks find their first win.
San Jose Sharks Top Point Scorer
Mikael has had a great start to his season. He is the most consistent player on the Sharks this season. He is the top points leader, in 11 games he has now a total of 13 points. In the games he has played in, he has had 170 faceoffs, 82 of which he has won. His faceoff percentage of 48.1% leaves a bit to be desired, but his totals (total faceoffs taken and wins) each rank second on the team.
With gaining his three points against Utah, Granlund has tied Torrey Mitchell for 67 points in Sharks Franchise History. He will crack the Sharks top 50 in franchise history with only 20 points to go. This is only his second season with the Sharks.
Mikael Granlund pushes his goal-scoring streak to four games and his point streak to seven, bringing the Sharks within one.
Jake Walman and William Eklund with the helpers.
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) October 29, 2024
Granlund has been exceptional with his play-making skills and the keen ability to read plays and execute them effectively. His ability to create space during plays and make quick decisions has allowed him to set his teammates up to score. His skill and experience level are important for the development and the future of the San Jose Sharks.
Granlund’s Career and Experience With the Game
Mikael started his hockey career in Finland where he was the country’s top junior league first-team all-star at only 16 years old. Out of 35 games, he had 21 goals and 57 points. By 17, he had made his debut in Finland’s top professional league.
In 2010, the NHL Scouting ranked Granlund as the top European skater when entering the draft. Minnesota Wild selected Granlund at No. 9. Moreover, Granlund made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche on January 19, 2013, where he scored his first goal in the NHL. To finish that season, Granlund had two goals and six assists before going into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition, he had four goals and three assists during the 2013 playoffs.
Granlund was traded to the San Jose Sharks in August of 2023 from the Pittsburgh Penguins. With 12 years in the NHL, Granlund has been an outstanding leader in the organization to guide the younger players. The Sharks have seen success with Mikael Granlund and the top line. As long as Granlund stays healthy, the Sharks will see more progress in their rankings and the development of their younger players will improve.
Main Photo Credit: David Gonzales-USA TODAY Sports
