"Graf's vision and puck skills make him a standout. His playmaking is polished, and he's got the kind of hockey sense that helps him make space for teammates. Dobber Prospects highlights his tenacity in his puck battles and ability to thread passes in tight spaces, while The Athletic's Corey Pronman praised his puck-handling, quick reads and pro-level shot. He already looks like a player capable of helping drive a middle-six line and contributing on the power play."
"What really separates Graf is his whole game. Sharks General Manager Mike Grier emphasized his two-way awareness when the team signed him, and it's easy to see why. His defensive instincts carried over from college and showed up in his limited NHL minutes, especially when he got looks on the penalty kill. He's more versatile than some of San Jose's other young forwards, giving him an edge in the competition for roster spots."
"Graf's development arc is also pretty encouraging. Once a 5-foot-8, 145-pound teenager who looked like a long shot, he grew into a sturdy 6-foot-1 frame and thrived at Quinnipiac. He led the Bobcats in scoring in 2023-24 with 49 points and 22 goals, earning ECAC Player of the Year, back-to-back First Team honors, and two top-10 Hobey Baker finalist nods. He followed that with 11 points in 33 NHL games after signing, showing flashes of what's to come."
Collin Graf rose from undrafted college free agent to an NHL contributor after signing a three-year entry-level deal with San Jose in April 2024. He developed from a 5-foot-8, 145-pound teenager into a sturdy 6-foot-1 forward who led Quinnipiac with 49 points and 22 goals in 2023-24, earning ECAC Player of the Year and two Hobey Baker top-10 nods. Graf combines polished vision, puck skills, and a pro-level shot with strong defensive instincts and penalty-kill experience. He produced 11 points in 33 NHL games and 35 points in 40 AHL games while demonstrating leadership and roster versatility.
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