Next Wave: The Case for Bystedt & Regenda

With a wide prospect and organizational pool available, the San Jose Sharks have several players who could make a permanent jump to the NHL.

While NHL callups like Quentin Musty or Kasper Halttunen are a possibility, Filip Bystedt would support the Sharks' immediate need for secondary scoring, and Pavol Regenda could be used dependably for depth rotation.

Filip Bystedt: Supportive Scoring

Macklin Celebrini's 115 points (45 goals and 70 assists) were nearly double the next point leader. Will Smith was next at 59 points, barely half of Celebrini's total. While they've both been exceptional and entertaining to watch in tandem, they can't carry every shift and deliver supportive scoring.

The Sharks arguably lack a possession-driven, middle-six center who can complement skill players on the ice. Step in Filip Bystedt, whose game is built around enabling other players. The 22-year-old had a breakout 2025-26 AHL season, where over 60 percent of his points came through assists (38 assists, 22 goals). With 60 points in 65 games, Bystedt averaged just under one point per game (.92), creating offense for his teammates.

In both the J20 and SHL leagues previously, the forward has remained consistent in racking up more assists than goals, demonstrating a puck distribution that is trending upwards. There's a touch of two-way play similar to players like Joel Eriksson Ek, Nico Hischier, or even Nicklas Backstrom, where he is able to primarily setup but also finish.

With 22 goals for the Barracuda this past season, Bystedt could be effective as a third-line center in the NHL. If paired alongside the Sharks' emerging core of primary finishers, he would be stylistically complementary for where the team is at right now.

Pavol Regenda: Depth Rotation

While Pavol Regenda's 43 NHL games (19 with Anaheim, 24 with San Jose) are a relatively small sample size, the 26-year-old is in his prime, or approaching it. For a stable depth rotation role, Regenda has the potential to fit the bill.

Team Teal has cycled through fringe forwards, but Regenda's recent NHL stint demonstrates a bottom-six forward who can bring size, energy, and finishing. In 24 games with the Sharks, Regenda contributed nine goals, one assist, 20 PIM, and finished with a -4 plus-minus. As a 6'4", 216 pound forward, Regenda can move between checking lines or forechecking roles, as well as slot into the third or fourth line without noticeable drops in reliability.

Though his NHL numbers are modest, Regenda's AHL resume is respectable, demonstrating a player who would add lineup flexibility if recalled. Some fringe NHLers might have one good AHL year, but Regenda has been productive across multiple seasons. Despite not being a skill-first player, Regenda manages to contribute over half a point per game through his AHL experience. More than just size, he has realistic and acceptable results that slot him well in a permanent NHL depth role.

While the Barracuda have multiple NHL-ready candidates, and the pipeline goes deep, Bystedt and Regenda fill specific, immediate needs on the bench. Bystedt supports the skill and Regenda stabilizes the depth.