When the Sharks acquired Zack Ostapchuk, it was met with fan outrage, not necessarily because Ostapchuk is a bad player, but because fan favorite Fabian Zetterlund was sent the other way. Combine that with Grier’s praise of the youngster when he was acquired, that they see him as a potential piece for the future, and his early struggles in teal can be seen as a major disappointment. Ostapchuk still has some intriguing potential, and at 22, could still be something for the Sharks.
Drafted by Ottawa in the 2nd round in 2021, the same year as William Eklund went 7th overall for the Sharks, Ostapchuk showed promise as a big toolsy forward in juniors, even suiting up for Canada for the World Juniors.