The San Jose Sharks are navigating a critical stretch of their 2025-26 campaign. Here are the key storylines and upcoming schedule for the week of Jan. 5-12, 2026
Macklin Celebrini & The Olympic Roster
The big news this week is Macklin Celebrini being named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. In just his sophomore season, the 19-year-old center has exploded offensively (scoring over 20 goals and 60 points already by mid-season) and established himself as a legitimate star, joining the likes of Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon on the national team.
Playoff Push Credibility
The Sharks (20-18-3, 43 points) are hovering near the Wild Card bubble. While they currently sit sixth in the Pacific Division, they are 6-4-0 in their last ten games. This week is pivotal: they face division rivals (Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights) and a tough Dallas Stars team. Staying in the race requires points from these matchups.
Will Smith’s Injury Status
The Sharks’ other star sophomore, Will Smith, has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since late December (listed as week-to-week). His absence disrupts the dynamic duo he formed with Celebrini earlier in the season. His return timeline is a major question mark for this week, as the team’s depth is being tested without him. In Smith’s absence, winger Igor Cheryshov has made his mark and found chemistry with Celebrini and William Eklund to keep the Sharks in the mix.
Pavol Regenda’s Surprise Performance
In a recent 7-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, depth forward Pavol Regenda scored a hat trick. While the result was a loss, secondary scoring from players like Regenda is essential while key forwards like Smith and Philipp Kurashev (Injured Reserve) are out.
Sharks Schedule Jan 5 – 12
DateTime (PST)OpponentVenueNotesTue, Jan 67:00 PMColumbus Blue JacketsSAP Center (Home)First meeting of the season.Wed, Jan 77:30 PMLos Angeles KingsCrypto.com Arena (Away)Crucial Pacific Division matchup.Sat, Jan 101:00 PMDallas StarsSAP Center (Home)Afternoon game vs. a Central contender.Sun, Jan 115:00 PMVegas Golden KnightsSAP Center (Home)Rivalry game; key for playoff standings.
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