Mikael Granlund, a Finnish professional ice hockey player, has long been known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, leadership on the ice, and versatility as a forward. As of 2024, Granlund has cemented his place in the NHL, making waves with his new team, the San Jose Sharks. With over a decade of experience, Granlund has played for several teams, most notably the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins, before his trade to the Sharks. As he continues to evolve as a player, Granlund remains a key figure in the NHL, especially in fantasy hockey leagues where his stats and projections are often a topic of discussion.
In this article, we’ll dive into the latest news surrounding Mikael Granlund, his stats and performances so far in the 2024 season, and examine what makes him an essential player on the Sharks roster. Whether you’re a casual fan or a fantasy hockey enthusiast, understanding Granlund’s impact on the ice can add depth to your knowledge of this talented player.
Key Takeaways
- Mikael Granlund is a Finnish NHL player, known for his strong playmaking abilities and leadership.
- He was traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2023 as part of a deal involving Erik Karlsson.
- Granlund’s stats for the 2023-24 season include 12 goals and 48 assists, totaling 60 points.
- His current contract is a four-year deal worth $20 million, with a cap hit of $5 million.
- Granlund’s performance has made him a valuable asset in fantasy hockey, especially in points-based leagues.
Mikael Granlund’s Career – From Finland to the NHL
Mikael Granlund was born on February 26, 1992, in Oulu, Finland. His journey to the NHL began in 2010 when he was drafted 9th overall by the Minnesota Wild. Granlund quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic center with incredible vision and playmaking skills. Over the years, he played for several teams, including the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins, before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in the 2023 offseason.
His trade to the Sharks was part of a major deal involving the departure of Erik Karlsson, signaling a rebuilding phase for both teams. Since joining the Sharks, Granlund has embraced a leadership role, mentoring younger players and contributing significantly to the team’s offensive play. As of 2024, he remains one of the top players on the Sharks roster, consistently providing value with his strong two-way game and offensive production.
Mikael Granlund Stats and Performance in 2024
As of the 2023-24 NHL season, Mikael Granlund has played 69 games for the San Jose Sharks, registering 12 goals and 48 assists, totaling 60 points. This impressive stat line made him the Sharks’ leading scorer for the season. Granlund’s average ice time per game was approximately 20:57 minutes, reflecting his critical role on the team. His ability to distribute the puck, combined with his experience, makes him an invaluable asset to the Sharks’ offense.
Granlund’s consistent performance has been a highlight for the Sharks in a season where rebuilding efforts have taken center stage. His contributions on both ends of the ice have also earned him praise for his leadership and reliability as a veteran presence on a relatively young roster.
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Average Ice Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 69 | 12 | 48 | 60 | 20:57 minutes |
Mikael Granlund Contract Details and Trade to the Sharks
Mikael Granlund is currently in the final year of his four-year contract worth $20 million, which he initially signed with the Nashville Predators in July 2021. His cap hit is $5 million, and he will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. This contract structure has made Granlund a key player for the Sharks as they build toward the future.
Granlund’s trade to the San Jose Sharks in 2023 was a significant move for both teams involved. The Penguins were looking to clear salary cap space and retool their roster, while the Sharks were seeking experienced players who could help develop their younger talents. Granlund’s leadership and high level of play have made him a key figure in San Jose’s efforts to rebuild and remain competitive.
Mikael Granlund’s Role on the San Jose Sharks
Since his arrival in San Jose, Mikael Granlund has stepped into a leadership role, especially following the trade of key players like Tomas Hertl. Granlund’s ability to mentor young talents like William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund has been a crucial part of the Sharks’ strategy for the future. His on-ice performance has also been impressive, as he continues to be one of the team’s most consistent offensive contributors.
Granlund’s presence on the Sharks is not just about his statistics; it’s also about his leadership and the example he sets for the younger players. His veteran experience, combined with his playmaking abilities, makes him a valuable asset as the Sharks continue their rebuilding phase.
Mikael Granlund’s Fantasy Hockey Value
In fantasy hockey, Mikael Granlund’s value has been solid in the 2023-24 season, especially in points-based leagues. With 60 points so far, Granlund has proven himself to be a reliable scorer, making him an appealing option for fantasy managers. His strong assist totals (48) highlight his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, further boosting his fantasy value.
Granlund’s consistent performance makes him a potential steal in fantasy drafts, especially if he continues to be a key player for the Sharks in the coming seasons. If you’re looking for a forward who can contribute both in goals and assists, Granlund should definitely be on your radar.
Mikael Granlund’s Personal Life
While Mikael Granlund is known for his on-ice abilities, his personal life remains mostly private. Information regarding his family, including whether he is married or has children, has not been widely disclosed. Granlund tends to keep his personal life out of the public eye, focusing instead on his career and performance on the ice.
Mikael Granlund Game Log and Projections
Granlund’s game log for the 2023-24 season has shown consistent performance, with key contributions in multiple games. Whether it’s his goal-scoring ability or his playmaking, Granlund has demonstrated that he can be counted on to deliver. Looking ahead, projections for Granlund will depend on his continued performance and health. Given his high level of play and leadership role with the Sharks, it’s likely that Granlund will continue to be a significant contributor in the seasons to come.
Conclusion
Mikael Granlund’s journey from Finland to the NHL has been a testament to his hard work and skill. With over a decade of experience in the league, Granlund has become one of the most reliable playmakers in the NHL. His leadership on the San Jose Sharks, combined with his consistent production, makes him a key player for the team as they rebuild for the future. As the 2024 season progresses, Granlund’s influence on and off the ice will continue to be crucial for the Sharks’ success.
FAQ
How many goals has Mikael Granlund scored in the 2023-24 season?
In the 2023-24 NHL season, Mikael Granlund has scored 12 goals for the San Jose Sharks.
What is Mikael Granlund’s current contract status?
Mikael Granlund is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $20 million, with a cap hit of $5 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.
Which teams has Mikael Granlund played for in the NHL?
Mikael Granlund has played for several NHL teams, including the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks.
What is Mikael Granlund’s fantasy hockey value?
Mikael Granlund has been a solid pick in fantasy hockey leagues, particularly in points-based formats. With 60 points in the 2023-24 season, he remains a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
When was Mikael Granlund traded to the San Jose Sharks?
Mikael Granlund was traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2023 as part of a deal involving Erik Karlsson.
- Mikael Granlund’s Career – From Finland to the NHL
- Mikael Granlund Stats and Performance in 2024
- Mikael Granlund Contract Details and Trade to the Sharks
- Mikael Granlund’s Role on the San Jose Sharks
- Mikael Granlund’s Fantasy Hockey Value
- Mikael Granlund’s Personal Life
- Mikael Granlund Game Log and Projections
- Conclusion
- FAQ