Sharks Begin Second Day of 2017 Draft by Selecting a Defenseman

CHICAGO – The Sharks used their first pick on the second day of the draft to select defenseman Mario Ferraro at 49th overall.

The Sharks acquired the second round pick from New Jersey earlier in the week as part of the trade for Mirco Mueller.

Ferraro, a five-foot-11, 185-pound Toronto native, will attend the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) in the fall. The 18-year-old posted 41 points (8g, 33a) in 60 games for Des Moines of the USHL last season.

"I describe myself as an offensive defenseman that takes pride in the d-zone," Ferraro said. "Obviously, I like to get involved offensively. I think I'm a good skater, and I transition the puck up the ice quick. I also like to be physical in the d-zone and use my body."

Ferraro said he needs to work on "my shot, especially. Getting pucks through to the net to create scoring chances, and I also want to work on when and when not to get up in the play, and reading the play better."

Ferraro, the 78th-ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting and a left-handed shot, had about 20 friends and family in attendance at the draft.

"I'm very honored to be wearing this jersey right now. It was amazing. It's been an amazing day so far."

The Sharks chose center Josh Norris with their first round pick (19th overall) on Friday.

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The Sharks swapped picks with the Rangers in the fourth round, sending the 123rd and 174th overall picks to New York to jump to the 102nd slot, where they chose six-foot-one, 201-pound center Scott Reedy.

In 60 games with the U.S. National Under-18 team last season, the 18-year-old Reedy posted 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points. He considers himself "solid friends" with Norris, after playing with him for the past two seasons.

Reedy, who had a large contingent of friends and family in attendance, will play for the University of Minnesota in the fall.

"I'd say I'm a skilled power forward," Reedy said. "I use my hockey IQ to create time and space to make plays. I'm good around the net, use my body well."

He had good things to say about Norris, too.

"He's a fast guy," Reedy said. "He's got a great shot, that's one of his many strengths. He's very versatile. He can play last five minutes when you're down by a goal, or just by a goal. He brings leadership to the table, so I have a lot of respect for him in that manner. I think we can work well together."

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The Sharks added three more forwards in the later rounds of the draft, including a pair of California kids.

Jacob McGrew, a right wing, missed all of last season in Spokane (WHL) with a lower body injury. The Orange, CA native, a former member of the Jr. Kings, was selected in the sixth round (159th overall).

Center Sasha Chmelevski, born in Michigan but raised in Huntington Beach, was chosen in the sixth round (185th overall). He had 43 points (21g, 22a) in 58 games with the Ottawa 67's last season.

The Sharks concluded the draft by taking left wing Ivan Chekhovich in the seventh round (212th overall). The Russian native had 59 points (26g, 33a) in 60 games with Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) last season.
 

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