The Sharks may be closer to playoff contention than you think

"It's been six years since the San Jose Sharks last appeared in the playoffs and they've been the NHL's bottom feeders ever since, but that trend could be on the upswing ahead of schedule thanks to the club's rich prospect pool and wise offseason moves. The Sharks have finished dead last in the league in back-to-back seasons now, but there's more reason for optimism than many would give them credit for. In fact, Corey Pronman from The Athletic ranks San Jose as the No. 1 rebuilding team that could compete for the Stanley Cup sooner than expected."

""It's time for everybody to really take that next step forward. Show that you can win the close games and you're competing every single night.""

"That obviously begins with Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old managed to score 25 goals and a total of 63 points across 70 games in his rookie year, earning him third-place consideration for the Calder Trophy. That's an impressive total for a first-year NHLer, especially one playing for a team that produced a league-low 208 goals during the course of the season."

"Celebrini oftentimes skates alongside Will Smith, and that dynamic duo is going to take the league by storm before long. Smith, who was selected fourth overall in 2023, put up 18 goals and 45 points in 74 games during his rookie campaign. These skaters are able to find each other anywhere on the ice and have developed seamless chemistry together, giving a lot of hope that their sophomore seasons will build on the foundation that was laid down in 2024-25."

The San Jose Sharks have missed the playoffs for six years and finished last in the league in consecutive seasons, but roster construction and a deep prospect pool provide renewed cause for optimism. External rankings place San Jose among the top rebuilding teams that could contend for the Stanley Cup earlier than anticipated. The club posted a 20-50-12 record and scored a league-low 208 goals, yet rookie Macklin Celebrini scored 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games while Will Smith added 18 goals and 45 points. The young core and offseason moves could produce a notable improvement if development continues and close games are won.

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