San Jose dominated the early 2000s, missing the playoffs only three times between 1999-2000 and 2018-19, winning six division titles and frequently making deep postseason runs. The franchise made only one Stanley Cup Final appearance despite high regular-season success. Following a Western Conference Final loss seven years ago, the team entered a rebuild and has missed the playoffs six consecutive seasons, the longest streak in franchise history. The roster won just 61 games from 2022-25. Consecutive last-place finishes preceded a modest resurgence in optimism. Top prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith are positioned to take major steps in 2025-26.
But after another disappointing Western Conference Final loss seven years ago, things have unraveled for one of the most successful regular season teams of the century. The Sharks entered their rebuild right around the same time as the pandemic hit, and the club hasn't been back to the dance since. San Jose has gone six full campaigns without playoff hockey, the longest such streak in franchise history.
Following back-to-back last place finishes, there's at least a little bit of optimism surrounding the team ahead of the new season. With multiple years to stock up the prospect cupboard, the Sharks boast a couple of terrific young players who are ready to take the next step in 2025-26. We all know about Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall selection in 2024 who ended up with 63 points in his first 70 NHL games.
Collection
[
|
...
]