Filip Bystedt’s Future with the Sharks: A Logjam at Center

The San Jose Sharks’ decision to draft Filip Bystedt with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft marked a hopeful moment for a franchise in the midst of a rebuild. Bystedt was viewed as a crucial piece in a system that lacked depth in prospects. However, the subsequent selections of Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini in 2023 and 2024, respectively, have quickly pushed Bystedt down the depth chart.

Initially, there was a glimmer of hope for Bystedt to secure a bottom-six role, especially with only Smith and Celebrini ahead of him. Yet, the Sharks’ center depth has since transformed into a significant strength, bolstered by the drafting of Michael Misa in 2025, the acquisition of Zack Ostapchuk via trade, and the extension of veteran Alex Wennberg. This influx of talent has left little room for Bystedt or any other prospect to break into the NHL in the immediate future.

As he approaches four years since being drafted, Bystedt has yet to make his NHL debut and finds himself amidst a crowded bottom-six forward group. This raises a critical question about his prospects with the Sharks. Last season, Bystedt enjoyed a breakout year, scoring 20 goals and accumulating 60 points in 65 games with the San Jose Barracuda. Despite his impressive performance, he was not afforded an opportunity in the NHL, even as the Sharks dealt with injuries. Instead, chances went to players like Ethan Cardwell, Patrick Giles, Pavol Regenda, and Igor Chernyshov.

As the Sharks aim to emerge from their rebuilding phase, the path for younger players like Bystedt appears increasingly obstructed. With established names such as Adam Gaudette, Ty Dellandrea, Barclay Goodrow, and potentially Tyler Toffoli occupying spots in the bottom-six this season, the likelihood of Bystedt finding a place seems slim, even in the event of injuries.

It’s evident that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier hoped to see Bystedt thrive, given that he was the first draft pick of his tenure. However, the window for Bystedt to make an impact in San Jose seems to be closing rapidly. If he doesn’t receive an opportunity this coming season, which appears unlikely, it may signify the end of his tenure with the Sharks.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.