As the San Jose Sharks kick off their training camp on Thursday, the pressing question remains: when will they become competitive again? After finishing at the bottom of the NHL standings for the past two seasons, the Sharks are determined to improve their performance and end a six-year playoff drought. While making the postseason may still be a stretch, particularly with a daunting 44-point gap to close, the team is optimistic about surpassing last season’s disappointing record of 20-50-12.
The Sharks have undergone significant roster changes this offseason, which could signal a shift in fortunes. Departures include goalie Alexandar Georgiev, defensemen Henry Thrun, Jan Rutta, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, along with forwards Noah Gregor, Klim Kostin, and Nikolai Kovalenko. In their place, the Sharks welcome new talent, including goalies Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic, defensemen Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, and Nick Leddy, and forwards Jeff Skinner, Philipp Kurashev, Adam Gaudette, and Ryan Reaves. Additionally, promising prospects like forward Michael Misa and defenseman Sam Dickinson are eager to make their mark.
General Manager Mike Grier emphasized the competitive nature of the camp, stating, “You’ve got to earn your ice time, you’ve got to earn your roster spot.” He is clear that players must demonstrate their readiness to secure their positions on the team.
Key Questions Facing the Sharks
As the Sharks prepare for the upcoming season, several critical questions loom large entering training camp.
**Can the Kids Make the Team?**
Misa and Dickinson have shown promise at the Rookie Faceoff in Anaheim, but they must now prove they can transition from junior hockey to the NHL. If they do not secure spots on the Sharks’ roster, they will return to the Canadian Hockey League. Misa needs to demonstrate that he can maintain a responsible defensive game at the NHL pace, while Dickinson must showcase his decision-making abilities.
Other players, such as Jack Thompson and Egor Afanasyev, also face the challenge of breaking into the 23-man roster. Given the Sharks’ current total of 49 contracts, there is room for capable players, but the management will need to navigate the NHL’s 50-contract limit carefully.
**Will the Sharks Name a Captain?**
With Logan Couture stepping back due to injury, speculation has arisen about the Sharks naming a new captain for the 2025-26 season. Grier has not committed to a decision, but potential candidates include veterans like Tyler Toffoli, Alexander Wennberg, and Barclay Goodrow. Mario Ferraro, an alternate captain since the 2021-2022 season, is also in the running. The team must consider both leadership and future plans, especially as some candidates may become unrestricted free agents.
**Can the Sharks Gel During Camp?**
The Sharks’ roster overhaul includes seven new players, necessitating effective communication and teamwork during training camp. Coach Ryan Warsofsky returns with his entire staff from last season, which could facilitate smoother integration of new players into the team’s systems.
The Sharks will look to improve upon their conservative 1-1-3 alignment from last season, which aimed to reduce scoring chances against. This approach requires buy-in from all players to foster a cohesive unit capable of starting the season strongly.
**Who Plays Center Behind Celebrini?**
The Sharks are keen on positioning Will Smith as a centerman, but his role remains uncertain as the regular season approaches. If the team decides to invest in Smith’s development, they may prioritize his growth despite the challenges he may face. Alternatively, Warsofsky could opt for the more experienced Wennberg as a short-term solution, particularly if Smith continues to excel as a winger.
Other center options include Misa, Goodrow, Kurashev, Gaudette, and Ty Dellandrea. The performance of Filip Bystedt and Zack Ostapchuk during camp will also be crucial, especially as both players remain waiver-exempt.
**Does a Top Defense Pair Emerge?**
Last season, the Sharks acquired Cody Ceci and Jake Walman as their top defensive pair, but the emergence of new players like Orlov and Klingberg could change that dynamic. However, Shakir Mukhamadullin was a standout defenseman before injury last March, and if Leddy can regain his form, he may also contribute significantly.
As the Sharks navigate their roster and make critical decisions during training camp, fans will be watching closely to see how these questions unfold. With a mix of seasoned veterans and young prospects, the future of the San Jose Sharks could hinge on the outcomes of these pivotal moments.
