San Jose Sharks Prospects Showing Significant Improvement

Quentin Musty and Kasper Halttunen make strides in physical and mental aspects of their game

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Jose Sharks prospects Quentin Musty and Kasper Halttunen have demonstrated significant growth in their respective games, according to assessments from head coach John McCarthy and an NHL scout. Musty, a 2023 first-round draft pick, focused on improving his speed, energy, and defensive positioning during the offseason, while Halttunen is working to expand his skill set beyond his lethal shot. The two players, along with 2022 second-round pick Cam Lund, are maturing together both on and off the ice as they aim to make the jump to the NHL.

Why it matters

The development of Musty and Halttunen is crucial for the Sharks' long-term success, as the team looks to build a competitive roster through its prospect pipeline. Their progress could determine whether they start the season in the NHL or with the Sharks' AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.

The details

Quentin Musty, the Sharks' 26th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is coming off a productive 2024-25 season in the OHL, where he recorded 30 goals and 59 points in 33 games. During the offseason, Musty focused on improving his speed, energy, and body composition, reducing his body fat percentage from 12% to 9%. He has also prioritized the mental and tactical aspects of the game, working on his defensive positioning to better prepare for the demands of the NHL. Kasper Halttunen, another 2023 Sharks draft pick, is focusing on becoming a more well-rounded player, adding complementary skills to his already lethal shot.

  • Musty was selected 26th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
  • Musty played for the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL during the 2024-25 season.
  • Musty and Halttunen are currently roommates with 2022 second-round pick Cam Lund.
  • On March 10, 2026, Musty was named the Sharks Prospect of the Week while playing for the San Jose Barracuda.

The players

Quentin Musty

A 2023 first-round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks, Musty is a forward who recorded 30 goals and 59 points in 33 games for the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL during the 2024-25 season.

Kasper Halttunen

A 2023 draft pick of the San Jose Sharks, Halttunen is a forward who is focusing on becoming a more well-rounded player, adding complementary skills to his already lethal shot.

Cam Lund

A 2022 second-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, Lund is a forward who scored 18 goals and recorded 40 points in 37 games for Northeastern University during the 2024-25 season.

John McCarthy

The head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

NHL scout

An anonymous NHL scout who has assessed the progress of Musty and Halttunen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think I've got the tools to play at the NHL level. Dialing in those things defensively and positioning-wise. [I'm] still working at those even in the off-season.”

— Quentin Musty

“Slimming that body fat is helping me with energy, quickness, all that stuff, and noted that these physical adjustments were necessary to have a chance of making their roster this year.”

— Quentin Musty

What’s next

Musty is eligible to spend a full season with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL), but he has expressed a desire to make the jump to the NHL if his performance during the preseason warrants it. The Sharks organization will closely monitor Musty's development, and a stint in the AHL would allow him to work directly with developmental coaches, while an NHL roster spot would indicate he is further along in his progression than initially expected.

The takeaway

The progress of Musty and Halttunen, along with Lund, highlights the Sharks' commitment to building a strong prospect pipeline. Their development will be crucial in determining the team's long-term success, as the organization looks to transition from its current roster to a new generation of talented players.