Explore the San Jose Sharks’ new season lineup and the vibes surrounding their exciting additions and youthful talent.
Vibes. That’s what the San Jose Sharks have to sell. That, and sleepover bobbleheads.
The San Jose Sharks’ PR department excels. Chicago Blackhawks fans have a right to be a little envious when Chicago’s PR department creates unironic Microsoft Paint announcements. “Vibes-rivalry” aside, the Sharks have an interesting lineup this season.
San Jose made a lot of additions this offseason. While they didn’t add anyone who makes them automatic “playoff contenders” (let’s be realistic), they added players who are upgrades from last year. General Manager Mike Grier added more depth and a supporting cast for the Sharks’ youth.
Even with the additions, this is a team that will dwell in the basement alongside the Blackhawks. But a team with a bright future ahead (and it’s teal, or something).
Offense: Toothless Shark Bite
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The San Jose Sharks, much like Chicago, have young players still finding their game supported by veterans—although I’d argue Mike Grier has done a better job at finding veterans. One such addition was 2024 free agent Tyler Toffoli.
Macklin Celebrini centers Toffoli and fellow youngster William Ecklund on the first line. Toffoli (54 points, third best on the team) helped Celebrini in his first year pro. Celebrini’s line had a 52.59% expected goals share. Ecklund, 22 years old, scored 58 points—right behind Celebrini’s team-leading 63 points.
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And let’s be clear, because this is a Chicago-based website—and there is Connor Bedard bias from the writer—Macklin Celebrini, is an incredible two-way center. He creates off the rush (6.69 entries leading to chances/60, one of the best in the league) and is excellent in puck battles on the board. That last skill is difficult for a 6-foot-18-year-old in the NHL.
San Jose’s future is bright elsewhere down the middle. Will Smith, 45 points in his first year in the NHL, centers the second line. The Sharks acquired Alex Wennberg (30 years old) to hold down the 3C spot, but there’s an interesting prospect in line to claim it. Filip Bystedt, drafted in the 2022 first round, had a decent season in the AHL last year—he scored 31 points in 50 games. There are questions about his physicality, but he’s fast, has great vision, and creates offense.
So the Sharks have their top two centers locked in (massive), options at 3C… but what about the wing?
Ecklund is going to be dangerous on Celebrini’s or Smith’s wing. Michael Misa, No. 2 overall draft pick in 2025, could either be a star center or winger. That gives Grier flexibility down the middle depending on Smith’s and Misa’s growth. Igor Chernyshov projects to be a middle-six forward, but will spend time in the AHL before his ceiling is realized. This makes San Jose’s wings slightly concerning.
What they have now are just placeholders. Grier acquired Jeff Skinner and Adam Gaudette in the offseason. Philipp Kurashev signed this summer as well, but unless he has a career resurgence, he doesn’t have a role in San Jose’s future. The real concerns, however, come from the blueline.
San Jose Defense
The Sharks’ top-defensive prospect is Sam Dickinson. The 11th overall pick in 2024 was one of the CHL’s best defensemen last season. He projects to be on the Sharks’ top-pair. Dickinson could debut this season, enhancing the buzz surrounding the Sharks’ youth. But beyond Dickinson, there’s a massive gap in San Jose’s defensive core. And Dickinson still needs to prove himself in the NHL.
Their top pair is Mario Ferraro and Timothy Liljegren. Ferraro scored 17 points in 78 games and had a 46.16% expected goals share at 5-on-5. Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg are on the middle pair. Orlov struggled in Carolina last year with a -0.04 expected goals differential (relative to teammates).
San Jose’s blueline is duct-taped with place holders until Sam Dickinson arrives. This leaves Mike Grier with a difficult task in the future of finding blueline talent. But it also helps the Sharks make a strong case for the Gavin McKenna lottery this season.
Goaltending
Yaroslav Askarov wanted out of the Nashville Predators. With Juuse Saros as the Preds’ No. 1 goaltender for the foreseeable future, Askarov’s path to the NHL would be a lot quicker with the Sharks, and he was promptly traded to Northern California in 2024. He’s crushed the AHL with a .923 SV% last season and a .911 SV% the year before with the Milwaukee Admirals. The 23-year-old Russian goaltender has some room to grow still, but is a great potential starter for the Sharks.
What’s On Tap Next?
The Sharks are likely to finish near the bottom again. Poorly constructed defense (almost as if by design) will concede a lot of scoring chances. However, if the Sharks’ young forwards have a strong start, San Jose has the potential to put them slightly higher than comfortable. All eyes are on Macklin Celebrini’s second NHL season, Will Smith is positioned to elevate his game, and William Ecklund is making strides in offense. Oh, and let’s not forget that Michael Misa did sign his entry-level contract and could start the NHL season. This team is lightyears away from the playoffs, but it’s a young and fun team to watch.
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