The Sharks’ Rebuilding Stage: A Team on the Rise
It’s safe to say that the San Jose Sharks are taking the right steps in their rebuilding process, moving in the right direction toward becoming a playoff contender again. As one of the youngest teams in the NHL, San Jose faces major challenges within their highly competitive division. However, patience is key, especially with 10 players on the roster aged 25 or younger.
Fortunately, the Sharks’ veteran core—Tyler Toffoli, Cody Ceci, Tomáš Hertl, and Mikael Granlund—has done an exceptional job mentoring the younger players, helping them adjust to the NHL’s speed and precision. Two players in particular, Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini, have already shown signs of becoming future leaders of this franchise.
The Youth Movement is Gaining Momentum
The 2024-25 season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Sharks, but despite the ups and downs, fans remain optimistic about the team’s future. That confidence is felt by the players, and a big reason for it is the acquisition of two rising stars:
- Macklin Celebrini (1st overall pick, 2024 NHL Draft)
- Will Smith (4th overall pick, 2023 NHL Draft)
While Smith is steadily gaining traction, Celebrini has already made a huge impact, playing 26 games and recording 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists). His performance places him third on the team leaderboard, trailing only William Eklund and Mikael Granlund.
Interestingly, both Celebrini and Smith have the fewest hits on the team, a good sign that they can focus on their offensive production while veteran teammates provide protection. The Sharks know exactly what they drafted them to do—put up points and make an impact on the power play.
What’s Next for the Sharks?
San Jose still has a long way to go, but the foundation is being built the right way. If their young core continues to develop, and management adds key pieces over time, the Sharks could soon emerge as a legitimate contender once again.
- – Dante Robinson | Senior NHL Analyst for TheNSR Network