Despite ranking last in the NHL over the past two seasons and struggling both offensively and defensively, the San Jose Sharks are building a promising future. The team has allowed the most goals and scored the second-fewest of the 2020s, but recent draft success and strong player development signal a turning point.
With a top-ranked prospect pool, the Sharks are preparing for a resurgence that could redefine their franchise.
The trio of William Eklund, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith has already made significant impacts in the NHL. Eklund hit the 40-assist mark as a 21-year-old, while Celebrini led the team in scoring despite missing 12 games.
Smith also had an impressive debut, reinforcing their value as the offensive foundation moving forward. These young stars have quickly established themselves as elite talents capable of steering the team’s offense for years to come.
Sharks Add Scoring Depth with Misa, Halttunen, Musty, and Emerging Forward Talent
San Jose continued to stack its forward depth by drafting Michael Misa, an OHL phenom with a 134-point season, and acquiring more firepower through prospects like Kasper Halttunen and Quentin Musty. These players not only bring scoring talent but also a physical edge.
Michael Misa (NHL)Another standout, Igor Chernyshov, impressed with 55 points in just 23 OHL games. These additions give the Sharks a blend of finesse and physicality to complement their skilled top line.
Beyond the top-line prospects, San Jose boasts several other scoring threats. Players like Cameron Lund, Collin Graf, and Joey Muldowney provide additional depth and offensive potential. The forward pipeline is loaded with high-ceiling players, and many are nearing NHL readiness. The balance between speed, power, and finishing ability sets the Sharks apart from other rebuilding franchises.
Building an Elite Blue Line with Dickinson, Depth, and a Franchise Goaltender
San Jose’s defensive future looks equally promising, anchored by Sam Dickinson, who was named the OHL’s top defenseman after a dominant 91-point season. He leads a group that includes Shakir Mukhamadullin and Luca Cagnoni, with veterans like Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg offering short-term stability.
Eric Pohlkamp adds further depth from the NCAA ranks, giving the Sharks a well-rounded and dynamic group of blueliners in the making.
Backing the rebuild is elite goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov, acquired via trade and currently thriving in the AHL. General Manager Mike Grier’s draft strategy has already yielded stars at every round, and future drafts in 2026 and 2027 could add even more blue-chip defenders. While the timeline for complete NHL success is still uncertain, San Jose’s strategic drafting and player development signal a model rebuild with immense upside.
