Ozzy Wiesblatt

April 2022 – Wiesblatt has been shut down for the season after undergoing a season-ending shoulder surgery. There may be some concerns creeping in regarding the lack of games played during key developmental years. Due to COVID and injury he’s only played 72 games in the last two seasons. When he’s played his production has been decent however (41 points in 47 games this year), especially when considering that he’s been playing for one of the worst teams in the WHL and has produced substantially more than his closest teammates. Wiesblatt’s two-way play and grit ups his NHL certainty, however whether his offensive skills will translate is worth keeping an eye on. Donesh Mazloum

February 2021 – Wiesblatt lit the lamp for the first time in his professional career on February 12th. It only took the youngster three games to notch his first goal in the AHL. Although Wiesblatt looked like he was up to speed with many of his Barracuda teammates, he was reassigned to the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders in preparation for their season opener in early March. This will be a great opportunity for Wiesblatt to hone his skills and really show the Sharks front office, and their fans, what he is capable of this year. Keep an eye on the WHL’s score sheets this season because #19 is sure to be all over them. Alex Howes

October 2020 – The final pick of the first round, Ozzy Wiesblatt, plays with a killer bee mentality using his speed and skill to baffle opponents and open up extra ice for his linemates. His skating and passing abilities make him a dangerous playmaker, yet there are still a few areas that will need improving before he is considered an NHL threat. On occasion, Wiesblatt has shown a lightning-quick release on his shot, but it remains inconsistent. Improving his shot and release should be a focus in his development. His smaller frame has also been the victim of criticism before, but Ozzy plays with grit despite his size. If he continues to play each shift with the intensity he has demonstrated in the WHL then his physicality will not be an issue (just ask Brendan Gallagher).  Wiesblatt will need to continue to hone his skills, most likely in the WHL, throughout the course of the 20-21 season before going professional, but the Sharks should be excited to watch the young Canadian develop. Alex Howes

October 2020 – Wiesblatt was drafted 31st overall by the Sharks. Wiesblatt could push for an NHL job after two more years in the WHL.  Jokke Nevalainen

January 2020 – Wiesblatt is a good skater who plays an up-tempo game with a bit of ferocity. He is an excellent skater who excels in the offensive zone when given the freedom to be creative. His vision allows him to create for opponents and his IQ allows him to find quiet spots in the offensive zone to set up for a scoring chance. In transition, Wiesblatt is shifty and smooth through the neutral zone and carries the puck into the offensive zone before attacking the front of the net. He likes to funnel the puck below the dots and into the net-front area. His game offensively is predicated on his speed and agility as well as his willingness to fight through traffic to find soft spots in coverage. While he isn’t a typical pest, he doesn’t shy away from mixing it up with his opponents after the whistle when the situation arises. Wiesblatt is a smart, skilled and speed-driven winger who can help on both the power play and the penalty kill. He may not project to be a top-line forward but his play suits a middle-six scoring role that contributes to both special teams. Tony Ferrari