San Jose Sharks Prospects Quentin Musty and Kasper Halttunen Showing Significant Improvement

San Jose Sharks prospects Quentin Musty and Kasper Halttunen have demonstrated significant growth in their respective games, according to assessments from head coach John McCarthy and an NHL scout. The development of the two 2023 draft picks has been a point of focus as they transition toward professional hockey.

Quentin Musty, who was selected 26th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is coming off a productive 2024-25 season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). While playing for the Sudbury Wolves, Musty recorded 30 goals and 59 points across 33 games. He also gained professional experience at the end of that season through a brief stint with the San Jose Barracuda, which included appearances in playoff action.

Physical and Mental Evolution

During Rookie Faceoff training, Musty detailed a rigorous off-season regimen aimed at increasing his speed and energy. While his weight remained steady at 200 pounds, he focused on body composition, reducing his body fat percentage from 12 percent to nine percent.

Musty stated that slimming that body fat is helping me with energy, quickness, all that stuff, and noted that these physical adjustments were necessary to have a chance of making their roster this year.

Beyond physical conditioning, Musty has prioritized the mental and tactical aspects of the game. He has spent the off-season focusing on defensive positioning to better prepare for the demands of the NHL.

I think I’ve got the tools to play at the NHL level. Dialing in those things defensively and positioning-wise. [I’m] still working at those even in the off-season.

Quentin Musty

Musty indicated that this preparation is intended to build the confidence necessary to perform during training camp.

Expanding Skill Sets

Kasper Halttunen, also a 2023 draft pick, is focusing on becoming a more well-rounded player. While already recognized for possessing a lethal shot, Halttunen is currently working on adding complementary skills to his game to increase his effectiveness on the ice.

The development of Musty and Halttunen is occurring in a shared environment. Both players are currently roommates with Cam Lund, a 2022 second-round pick. The three prospects are maturing together both off the ice and in their professional approach to the sport.

Cam Lund has also focused on physical gains during the off-season. Following a junior season at Northeastern University where he scored 18 goals and recorded 40 points in 37 games, Lund sought to add muscle to improve his strength when battling for pucks in low-cycle areas. This follows an 11-game NHL stint at the conclusion of his season.

Professional Trajectory

Now that Musty has turned 20, he is eligible to spend a full season with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL). While he is eligible for the AHL, he has expressed a desire to make the jump to the NHL if his performance during the preseason warrants it.

The Sharks organization has already recognized Musty’s recent progress. On March 10, 2026, Musty was named the Sharks Prospect of the Week while playing for the San Jose Barracuda, following a career-long three-game scoring streak.

Whether Musty begins the season in the NHL or with the Barracuda, the team intends to monitor his development closely. A stint in the AHL would allow him to work directly with developmental coaches, while an NHL roster spot would indicate he is further along in his progression than initially expected.