The San Jose Sharks have made additional reductions to their training camp roster, including sending center Filip Bystedt back to the San Jose Barracuda. Drafted 27th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Bystedt showed some progress during the 2025-26 season, but his preseason performance was mixed—struggling notably outside of the final part of his last game. Since he remains waiver-exempt, he was reassigned, though questions linger about whether he will eventually make the step up to the Sharks’ main roster.
This preseason marked Bystedt’s first time playing in multiple games, where he notched three points—one goal and two assists—but he appeared slow, disengaged, and out of position at times. Despite others of his age getting NHL opportunities, Bystedt has yet to debut at that level, even though he was drafted ahead of some peers who have played NHL games. At 22, he still has time, but he risk losing prospect status if he doesn’t make his NHL debut soon. For Bystedt, the 2026-27 season might be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL, or he could be passed over as newer prospects advance.
Fan Take: This development is a reminder of how competitive NHL spots are and how crucial it is for young players like Bystedt to seize their chances quickly. It keeps fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if this is the year he finally breaks through or if he’ll fade from the Sharks’ plans altogether, highlighting the high-stakes nature of hockey development.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
