Did The Sharks Make The Right Move By Sending Top Prospect Back To Juniors?

Did the San Jose Sharks make the right call to send Quentin Musty back to the Ontario Hockey League?

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In short, the answer is yes. The 2023 26th overall pick had an inconsistent training camp. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said that throughout and confirmed that today.

"Just inconsistency in his camp," Warsofsky said. "[That's] to be expected, to be honest. As a young kid, he's just learning the pro game, the style, the speed, the pace, the details, and the habits you need to have to play this level, and they are just not there yet."

Musty scored 102 points (43 goals, 59 assists) in 53 games for the Sudbury Wolves last season, leaving questions about what he still needs to do to develop in the OHL.

Unfortunately for Musty and the Sharks, the winger has a July birthday and won't turn 20 until after this 24-25 season ends, thus making him ineligible for the AHL. Warsofsky said he would've loved to have Musty continue his development in San Jose with the Barracuda.

"That's just a rule they have, right? You wish it would change, and we'd be able to keep him here and develop here. But the rule is the rule," Warsofsky said. "I don't think he's outgrown [the OHL], but he's going to have to work on details in his game so those bad habits don't creep up again next training camp."

Musty played in two preseason games and didn't register a point. Warsofsky expects Musty to have a big season for Sudbury and hopes he gets to play for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

"He did some good things in camp. He did some good things going back to development camp. We just thought he probably couldn't get over that next hurdle," Warsofsky said. "This is the best thing for his development to go back, play in the OHL, do really well, [and] put up some points. He's got a list of things he needs to work on, and we'll watch him and continue to progress as he gets going. But he's got some hurdles to climb to get to play at this level."

While it is disappointing that Musty didn't make the opening night roster, he remains one of the Sharks' top prospects. San Jose is not close to pushing for the playoffs, and Musty's development will be critical, meaning there is no reason to rush him.

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