NHL Entry Draft: 5 Players San Jose Should Target in First Round

The San Jose Sharks hold the 17th overall pick in this summer's entry draft, giving them an opportunity to add a high-end player to their depleted prospect pool. Assuming they don't trade the pick, this will be the first time since 2007 that the Sharks select in the top 20.

San Jose has an impressive collection of goaltenders and defensemen in their system, but they sorely lack quality scoring forwards. This year's draft provides an opportunity for them to address this need.

Here are five very promising young forwards who would make terrific additions to San Jose's prospect ranks and may be available at the 17th spot.  

Sebastian Collberg

Swedish winger Sebastian Collberg possesses speed, incredible puck control and a lethal shot. The 18-year-old phenom doesn't shy away from contact and is more than willing to do the dirty work along the boards. 

At just 174 pounds, Collberg needs to bulk up and increase his strength before he's ready to play at the NHL level. Once he does, he has the tools to be a first-line winger and 30-goal scorer. 

Collberg is projected to go anywhere from 10th to 18th in the draft this summer, so the odds that he'll be available when the Sharks pick aren't very high. If he's still on the board, though, San Jose would be wise to snatch him up.

Zemgus Girgensons

Zemgus Girgensons is a gritty two-way center with size and goal-scoring prowess. A native of Latvia, Girgensons posted 24 goals and 31 assists in 49 games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints this season. He also managed four points in two playoff games. 

Girgensons is an extremely solid, well-rounded player. San Jose is very deep at the center position already, but if Girgensons falls to them at pick 17 he may be too tempting to pass up. 

Tom Wilson

At 6' 4" and 194 pounds, Tom Wilson is a massive power winger with strength and grit. He registered 27 points in 49 games with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL this season.

Wilson is a tenacious forechecker, a capable playmaker and a solid fighter. He may never be a first-line forward, but his impressive and useful skill set makes him a safe bet to be an NHL regular a few years from now. In the mean time, he needs to improve his skating and decision-making.

Projected to go late in the first round or early in the second, Wilson is likely to be available when San Jose makes its pick.    

Brendan Gaunce

Brendan Gaunce is a strong, two-way center with size and intangibles. He's not the fastest skater, but the 18-year-old pivot has enough strength and skill to be a surefire first-round pick. 

In 68 games with the Belleville Bulls this season, Gaunce netted 28 goals and added 40 assists. He also competed at the the World Junior Championships, where he registered four points in seven games for Team Canada. 

Gaunce, who also has experience playing left wing, would make an outstanding addition to San Jose's shallow prospect pool. 

Radek Faksa

Arguably the least likely player on this list to fall to 17th overall, Radek Faksa is a well-rounded center with good speed, an accurate shot and sound defensive play. He posted 67 points in 62 games with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers this year. 

With no gaping holes in his game, Faksa will probably be a top-10 pick. He does everything well and is capable of being a major offensive contributor while remaining defensively responsible. If he is available at 17, this would be the best possible pick for the Sharks. 

Sam Kelly is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @samkelly10.