LATEST REPORT: Sharks’ Super Star Making the Most of His NHL Opportunity
As the San Jose Sharks gear up for the final stretch of a challenging season, their primary focus lies in laying the groundwork for the future.
Chrona really enjoyed himself tonight: "Especially after the last time, seeing growth. I was enjoying every second of it. I was loving hockey out there."
On the seven-round shootout: "I love shootouts…I was just smiling the entire time and wanting the chance to win."
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 3, 2024
The recent trade deadline was a clear signal of this shift, and in a somewhat related vein, several players have witnessed an uptick in their NHL ice time. Among these players, goalie Magnus Chrona stands out as the one receiving the most significant opportunity.
He has been entrusted with starting five of the team’s last seven games, and although his performance hasn’t been flawless, he demonstrates considerable potential. Chrona is set to receive more opportunities in the goalie position as the season progresses, presenting him with a crucial moment to establish himself as a cornerstone for the Sharks’ future.
Chrona Has Had Several Strong Games
When the Sharks recognized the need to give their young goalies NHL experience during this season, Chrona was the first choice. However, his initial games placed him in challenging situations. His NHL debut on November 4, 2023, came during a blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the struggling Sharks facing a formidable opponent. Chrona faced 17 shots, allowing four goals in a 10-2 defeat. His first career start on December 28 was perhaps even more daunting as he went up against the red-hot Edmonton Oilers during their 16-game winning streak. Despite the Sharks’ improvement since November, they were amidst a 12-game losing streak, and Chrona conceded four goals in the opening period before being substituted, leading to a hiatus from NHL action for over two months.
However, since returning to the Sharks’ lineup on March 2, Chrona has shown significant improvement. Although not consistently outstanding with a .897 save percentage in his last five games, he has displayed moments of excellence and clearly enjoys the opportunity to play as an NHL goalie. Notable performances include a 36-save effort in a shootout loss against the Dallas Stars, 31 saves for his first career win against the Ottawa Senators, and a resilient display against the Philadelphia Flyers, making 38 saves to keep the Sharks competitive despite a tough loss.
Chrona faced off against the Penguins and New York Islanders, conceding five and seven goals, respectively. Protecting the Sharks’ struggling defense presents challenges, especially for the 23-year-old rookie, who was expected to encounter difficulties occasionally. Enhancing his composure in the net, especially during chaotic plays near the crease, is an area for potential improvement. Despite these challenges, after these three games, Chrona is laying down a sturdy groundwork for both the current season and the future.
Sharks’ Deadline Moves Opened up Space for Chrona
The Sharks engaged in multiple trades prior to the deadline, but the one that had the most significant impact on Chrona was the exchange involving goalies, sending Kaapo Kahkonen to the New Jersey Devils in return for the injured Vitek Vanecek.
For Chrona, the message from general manager Mike Grier was clear: it’s your time to demonstrate your abilities. The management wanted to create opportunities for Chrona to get ample playing time. With Kahkonen not fitting into the Sharks’ long-term plans and Mackenzie Blackwood sidelined due to injury, they saw a chance and made it happen.
Before the season and at various points during it, it seemed like the Sharks were gearing up to test their goalie prospects. Recently, they’ve been experimenting with different goalies without finding a permanent solution. As the team faced difficulties, they saw a rare opportunity to evaluate their young netminders without jeopardizing the franchise’s success. They believe that Chrona is the most prepared for NHL action, and with the Kahkonen trade, they’ve initiated the next stage of their plan.
Chrona Can Use the Rest of the Season to His Advantage
Chrona is undoubtedly cognizant of the challenges ahead. Until the beginning of this season, the Sharks’ goaltending prospects were in flux. Chrona, along with Georgi Romanov and Eetu Makiniemi, all had opportunities to establish themselves as the primary contenders for the future goalie position. However, it was Chrona who ultimately seized the opportunity. If he can maintain his fitness, he is poised to start in several more games out of the 17 remaining in the season. Thus far, he has displayed promising performances while also identifying areas for improvement. Should he translate these efforts into a consistent performance by season-end, he stands a chance to secure a spot on the NHL roster for next season’s opening night—and potentially for an extended period thereafter.