The San Jose Sharks, absent from the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2019, are on an upward trajectory thanks to a balanced roster of veterans and emerging prospects. Key players like Will Smith and William Eklund have joined forces with talented rookies such as Macklin Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov, helping the team finish higher in their division for the first time in years. However, despite their improvements on offense, finishing 17th in goals scored, they need another game-changing talent to contend for a playoff position. With strategic draft picks and potential trades, the Sharks aim to solidify their roster while building a strong defensive line for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • The Sharks finished 17th in the league for goals scored in the 2025-26 season.
  • Macklin Celebrini scored over 100 points, marking a rare achievement alongside only two other players since 2000.
State of Play
  • The Sharks have not qualified for the playoffs in six seasons.
  • San Jose's top-six now features four players under 24, indicating a shift towards youth along with veteran presence.
What's Next

The Sharks will focus on strategic trades and utilizing their eight draft picks to acquire a top defenseman, which could be crucial for next season. Heightened performances from young talents like Michael Misa could also play a significant role in their playoff hopes.

Bottom Line

San Jose is in a prime position to rebound, with a solid mix of veterans and prospects, but improvements on defense and the addition of impactful players are vital for their goal of returning to the postseason next year.