Sharks sign Carson Wetsch to entry-level contract

A solid scorer in junior hockey is on his way to the pro ranks.

On Wednesday, San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier announced that the team has signed forward Carson Wetsch to a three-year, entry-level contract.

In a release, Grier stated that there are a lot of attributes that make him an intriguing prospect to keep tabs on.

“Carson brings size, scoring touch, a high motor and strong character to our organization,” Grier said. “We are excited to add him to our group and continue his development in San Jose.” 

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing over 200 pounds, Wetsch is a strong winger who is difficult to stop once he gets going. He’s not afraid to drive to the front of the net and has a wicked wrist shot. When he doesn’t have the puck, he’s a terror for puck carriers and unassuming defensemen on the forecheck.

The 20-year-old signs his first NHL contract after one of the best seasons of his NHL career. With the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, Wetsch set career highs in assists (50) and points (72), captaining the Rockets to a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference. He added another four points in eight playoff games, though Kelowna was eliminated by the regular-season champion Everett Silvertips in the second round.

Across four seasons in the WHL, three of which came with the Calgary Hitmen, Wetsch scored 90 goals and 106 assists for 196 points, with another 11 points in 24 postseason contests.

The North Vancouver, B.C. native has taken home some hardware in his international career as well. Along with taking home the silver medal with Canada Red at the 2022 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, Wetsch won gold with Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

Wetsch was originally taken by the Sharks in the third round, 82nd overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft.