SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks concluded another season at the bottom of the National Hockey League standings, marking their second consecutive year in this position. However, this season felt different.
Fueled by the encouraging performances of their young players, including standout rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, the Sharks demonstrated significantly improved and more competitive hockey. This progress offers a glimmer of hope that this franchise, which has missed the playoffs for the past six seasons, might be closer to returning to playoff contention than their record suggests.
“We took a step forward,” stated General Manager Mike Grier on Friday. “Finishing where we did is still disappointing. Ultimately, this is a league judged by wins and losses, and our record reflects that. That’s the frustrating part because I believe we played better, with more competitiveness overall. But we still have a considerable journey ahead.”
The Sharks` final record for the season was 20-50-12, totaling a league-low 52 points. While still at the bottom, this was a slight improvement from the previous season, gaining five more points. They became the first team in a decade to suffer at least 50 regulation losses in two back-to-back seasons.
Despite their position, the team showed improvement by bettering their goal differential by 44 goals compared to the previous season. Nevertheless, they still ranked last in the NHL for both goals scored and goals conceded.
“This season was frustrating,” admitted first-year head coach Ryan Warsofsky. “We saw individual and collective growth, but it`s clear we have much more work to do.”
Grier emphasized that the upcoming off-season priority will be strengthening the defense, aiming for better lead protection during games.
This season, the Sharks suffered 10 regulation losses after leading in the third period, significantly more than any other team in the league, which had no more than four such losses. Additionally, they experienced five more losses in overtime or shootouts after holding a third-period lead.
Their eight regulation losses after leading at the end of the second period were the highest in eight years and tied for the most in the NHL since the 1970-71 season.
“The difference between winning and losing in this league is razor-thin,” Warsofsky commented. “Games often turn on just a play or two, a crucial save here or there. We experienced that this year, and our players witnessed it firsthand. We’ll see it again in the playoffs. I’m glad we went through these tough lessons. Hopefully, everything happens for a reason, and we can learn and grow from these experiences.”
Warsofsky attributes some of these struggles to the team`s youth, which he also views as their greatest asset for future improvement.
Macklin Celebrini, the top pick in last year’s draft, had an exceptional rookie season. As an 18-year-old, he topped all rookies with 25 goals and ranked second with 63 points, often playing as the primary center against top opposing lines.
Celebrini himself has mentioned wanting to reduce turnovers, and Warsofsky believes that better decision-making in crucial moments will develop with more experience.
“I can’t praise this kid enough,” Warsofsky said about Celebrini. “His work ethic, competitiveness, and inherent leadership are remarkable. He is a winner through and through. He will significantly contribute to this organization winning games very soon, and he already has. Like any player, there are areas to refine, but Macklin inspires his teammates with his competitive drive. We are extremely pleased with his season.”
Will Smith, the fourth overall pick in 2023, also displayed considerable promise in his rookie year, scoring 18 goals and 45 points, with his strongest performances coming towards the season`s end.
The Sharks also saw valuable contributions from other young players like William Eklund, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Collin Graf, and Henry Thrun. There are high hopes for Yaroslav Askarov to step up and claim the role of the team’s number one goalie next season.
With a promising prospect pipeline and two first-round picks upcoming—including a potential top-three pick—there is substantial reason for optimism. This optimism is further boosted by the Sharks` potential to utilize their salary cap space to bring in key veteran players this off-season.
“Around the league, I think people are noticing that we have some exceptionally talented young players who are developing rapidly,” Warsofsky concluded. “We have excellent people within this organization. I truly believe there’s a bright future ahead, and this team is on an upward trajectory.”
Tristan Blackwood