The San Jose Sharks made a commitment to one of their emerging young players on Friday, signing forward Collin Graf to a three-year contract worth $12.75 million. The deal, which averages $4.25 million per season, locks in a player who took a significant step forward in his development last year.

Graf, 23, burst onto the scene as a reliable two-way forward during the 2025-26 campaign. In 81 games, he tallied 21 goals and 25 assists, finishing with a plus-6 rating. His performance was a clear breakout, coming after he spent parts of two previous seasons adjusting to the NHL pace.

Originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Quinnipiac University late in the 2023-24 season, Graf played just seven games that year. He followed that up with 31 appearances the next season before cementing his spot in the lineup. His rise from an unheralded college prospect to a regular contributor underscores the Sharks' ability to identify and develop talent.

General manager Mike Grier highlighted Graf's impact beyond just the scoresheet. "Collin was a big part of our team's improvement this past season, being an effective penalty killer for us and his versatility in the lineup was extremely valuable," Grier said. "His hard working attitude and work ethic is a big reason why his game took another stride last year, and he continues to be an important person in our young group of players. We're happy we are able to keep him a Shark for the next several seasons."

Graf's contract reflects the team's belief in his continued growth. Over 121 career NHL games, he has accumulated 26 goals and 33 assists. His ability to play both wings and contribute on special teams makes him a flexible asset for a roster that is still in a rebuilding phase.

The Sharks have been focusing on developing a young core, and Graf fits into that plan. His defensive awareness and tenacity on the penalty kill have drawn praise from coaches and teammates. Last season, he averaged over two minutes per game on the penalty kill, helping the Sharks improve their shorthanded efficiency.

For Graf, the deal represents a reward for perseverance. Going undrafted out of college did not deter him; he signed an entry-level contract with San Jose and worked his way up. His journey from college hockey to a multi-million dollar NHL contract is a testament to his dedication.

As the Sharks prepare for the upcoming season, Graf is expected to take on an even larger role. With the team adding more young talent through the draft and trades, his experience and steady play will be crucial. The signing also provides salary cap certainty for a player who could have tested restricted free agency next summer.

The contract's structure carries an average annual value of $4.25 million, a figure that could become a bargain if Graf continues to improve. Comparatively, similar two-way forwards around the league have signed for slightly higher numbers, but the Sharks locked in Graf at a manageable cap hit.

Friday's announcement came as the NHL offseason heats up, with teams finalizing their rosters for training camp. For San Jose, retaining Graf was a priority. The team has made it clear they want to build around players who embrace the organization's culture and work ethic.

Graf's story is one of persistence and gradual improvement. He did not arrive in the NHL with fanfare, but his consistent effort has earned him a place in the league. Now, with a three-year commitment, he has the opportunity to prove that his breakout season was just the beginning.