NEXT HUTSON?: Should the Sharks TARGET Xavier Villeneuve to BOOST Their Offensive Defense Corps?

About this episode

JD Young and Hadi Kalakeche discuss the potential of Xavier Villeneuve and Maddox Dagenais as key prospects for the San Jose Sharks in the upcoming NHL Draft.

San Jose Sharks eye high-upside NHL Draft talent with Xavier Villeneuve and Maddox Dagenais as possible game-changers with their Edmonton first-round pick. Could San Jose land a franchise-defining offensive defenseman or a relentless power forward to fuel their rebuild? JD Young and Elite Prospects’ Hadi Kalakeche dissect Villeneuve’s elite puck-moving, Lane Hutson-style creativity, and defensive anticipation, despite questions about his size and recovery from injury. The conversation shifts to Dagenais’ transformation into a 6’4” wrecking ball with an NHL-ready shot and motor—raising questions about consistency and future fit as a center or winger. Expert insights cover development routes, player comps, best-case scenarios, and realistic draft ranges for the 2026 NHL Draft. Can the Sharks maximize their first-round haul with these bold prospects?

People in this episode

Host: JD Young

Guest: Hadi Kalakeche

Topics covered

• NHL Draft
• offensive defenseman
• player development
• San Jose Sharks
• hockey prospects
• rebuild strategy

Keywords

• Xavier Villeneuve
• Maddox Dagenais
• NHL Draft
• offensive defenseman
• hockey prospects
• San Jose Sharks
• Lane Hutson
• player development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Elite Prospects

Places: San Jose, Edmonton

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