The Sharks have missed the playoffs for six straight seasons and sank all the way to the bottom of the NHL barrel in 2024-25, finishing nine points behind the 31st-ranked Chicago Blackhawks with just 52 points. But it’s not all bad.
A stockpile of recent picks that included two rookies from last season, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, was supplemented by OHL forward Michael Misa at No. 2 overall. So the offense is on the rise. Goaltending will be the linchpin, though, and the chances for improvement truly hinge on whether Alex Nedeljkovic, acquired from Pittsburgh for a 2028 pick, can steady the goal crease.