The San Jose Sharks have demoted center Filip Bystedt to their AHL affiliate, raising questions about his development and potential future with the team. With a crowded roster featuring players like Macklin Celebrini, Alexander Wennberg, and Philipp Kurashev, the move was not entirely unexpected. However, the timing and context of Bystedt’s demotion have prompted speculation regarding his readiness for the NHL.
Bystedt, who was selected 27th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, participated in just one preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he logged a mere 10:51 of ice time. During this time, he managed only 8:39 at even strength, the lowest among all skaters. Despite blocking two shots, Bystedt won just one out of five faceoffs against a relatively inexperienced opponent. This performance did not align with the expectations set for a first-round draft pick.
After the game, Ryan Warsofsky, the Sharks’ head coach, expressed the need for players to compete for their positions. He stated, “There’s jobs to be won. I wish more guys understood that.” When addressing Bystedt’s demotion, Warsofsky emphasized the need for the young player to increase his pace and be more robust in puck battles. “He’s got to be harder, and he’s got to have more firmness in his game if he wants to play in the National Hockey League,” Warsofsky noted.
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Bystedt possesses a physical stature reminiscent of elite players like Tomas Hertl. The expectation is that he will learn to leverage his size effectively as he continues to develop. Last season, he recorded 31 points in 50 AHL games but now faces the challenge of enhancing his game to potentially secure a spot on the NHL roster.
Warsofsky further elaborated on the importance of puck control, stating, “When you get a puck on your stick, you’ve got to treat it like it’s a piece of gold, and no one can take it from you.” He acknowledged the need for Bystedt to consistently demonstrate this mindset, suggesting that the young player must elevate his performance to stay competitive.
Despite the demotion, Bystedt is still in the early stages of his three-year entry-level contract. He has time to refine his skills and prove his worth to the Sharks’ management, including general manager Mike Grier. As he prepares for significant minutes with the Barracuda, Bystedt’s development could be crucial for his future prospects within the organization.
The Sharks’ decision to trade down in the 2022 draft is also a point of consideration. Originally holding the 11th overall pick, they traded it to the Arizona Coyotes for the 27th, 34th, and 46th overall selections. This strategy has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the Sharks passed on players like Conor Geekie and Frank Nazar, who have already begun making their mark in the NHL.
Although the Sharks may not see immediate benefits from this trade, players selected from that draft class, such as Cam Lund and Mattias Havelid, are still in contention and could add depth to the roster. Lund has shown promise in camp, while Havelid is positioned to make his mark in the AHL.
As the Sharks continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the focus will remain on players like Bystedt. With competition for roster spots heightened, the young center has a clear path to prove himself. The organization remains hopeful that he can adapt and emerge as a valuable contributor in the future, but the road ahead will require significant effort and improvement on his part.