Sharks Won't Grow, Unless David Quinn Does First

During his time with the New York Rangers, David Quinn was highly criticized for his lack of utilizing young talent. Talent such as former 2nd overall pick, Kappo Kakko. Talent that no longer plays in the NHL anymore, like former 9th overall pick, Vitali Kravstov. 

David Quinn has a history of benching young players after mistakes that NHL vets seem to get away with under his coaching style. Quinn definitely appreciates the more old-school vibe. He prefers a more pucks-on-net play style rather than pretty puck possession. That played into a role of never giving young players on the Rangers an opportunity. Kappo Kakko rarely saw Power Play time under Quinn's tenure. And Kravstov barely even sniffed the NHL while Quinn was the head of the table. Which is why Kravstov called it quits and headed for the KHL.

Sharks fans were skeptical once Quinn was hired for the Sharks head coaching position. I was included in that mix. We still don't really know what that means for top prospects entering this season like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Henry Thrun. Or even top prospects down the line like Quentin Musty and Will Smith.... How ya doin'? 

To be fair, however, when many of these players were drafted, the AHL, or even other leagues, were still best for their development. 

Anyway, David Quinn needs to prove he has changed his old ways if the Sharks want to wrap up this rebuild. 

Moves in acquiring players like Mike Hoffmann and Mikael Granlund, to me, were pretty pointless. All that did was eat up roster spots for guys whom Sharks fans want to see grow into what the Sharks front office is expecting them to grow into.

How are they supposed to grow into specific roles if we never really give them a chance?

We don't want to see our high-end prospects waiting until they are 24 years old to start getting opportunities. They deserve them now, and it's up to David Quinn to realize that.

I think David Quinn and Mike Grier have a lot of questions to answer regarding decisions that impact their next batch of star players.

Start playing the young guns. Because after all, they are the future of the organization.