The San Jose Sharks have been circling the waters around their prospect Brandon Coe these days.
The NHL squad that also drafted North Bay native Ben Gaudreau took notice of Coe's impressive start to the season and offered the 2020 Sharks fourth round selection a three-year entry-level contract the team announced on Monday.
The big right winger leads the Ontario Hockey League scoring race with 14 goals and a league-high 32 assists for 46 points, helping power the Battalion to first place in the Central Division and Eastern Conference.
With the 2020-21 OHL season lost to the coronavirus pandemic, Coe instead played 15 games with the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ American Hockey League affiliate, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points. He then attended the NHL club’s main camp in September.
“It feels great to sign my first contract,” said Coe, a smooth skater and slick puck-handler who stands six-foot-five and weighs 203 pounds.
“There have been a lot of hours put in to get me to this point, and it feels great for my childhood dream to come true.
“I think having a good development camp and main camp this summer helped get my name out there more with the Sharks, and having a good start to my season back here in North Bay.”
He said he’s grateful for the support of his parents in advancing his career.
“Of course, my parents, the amount of time and money they put into my love for this game — I can’t thank them enough for it.”
General manager Adam Dennis believes Coe has provided leadership on and off the ice.
“It’s a very proud day for our organization with Brandon earning this contract,” said Dennis in a release.
“We’ve all watched him grow into the player and person he is today and we couldn’t be happier for him. He’s been a dominant force on the ice this season and an even better influence on our young players in the dressing room.
“We’re looking forward to watching Brandon suit up for the Sharks in the near future.”
Doug Wilson Jr., the Sharks director of scouting says Coe is a developing forward with great skating ability.
"Last year he gained valuable experience playing in the AHL, and we’re proud of how he has taken his offence to the next level this season," said Wilson Jr.
"He’s leading the OHL in scoring and is a key player on a first-place North Bay team.”
Coe, tied for second in the OHL in power-play assists with 13, is on a career-high 13-game points streak during which he has scored eight goals and earned 22 assists for 30 points. His 13-game assists streak is the league’s longest. Coe is tied with linemate Matvey Petrov for fifth in the league in plus-minus rating at plus-17.
The newly signed Sharks forward will be on the ice this Thursday when the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds come to town.
