The kids aren’t waiting their turn in San Jose.

With the postseason race tightening and pressure mounting, the Sharks’ young core is beginning to look less like a rebuild in progress and more like a foundation ready to compete now. And at the center of it is Michael Misa: calm, confident, and proving that the future in San Jose may be arriving faster than anyone expected.

The San Jose Sharks emerged victorious on March 1 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets for a 2-1 win in the matinee game. Misa played a steady confident game, rewarded by a riveting game winning goal in an extra frame. Will Smith was responsible for the Sharks’ first goal in the third period, that tied the game, giving Misa the chance to seal the deal. Both goals were assisted all by Sharks under 25 years old, Macklin Celebrini, Sam Dickinson and Collin Graf.

The first two periods of the game were slow paced, the only production being a Morgan Barron goal in the first period. After that, it was silent until Smith and Misa’s energy in the final leg of the game.

Both goals were scored on Connor Hellebuyck, who just returned from the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics with a gold medal. The young core of the Sharks was shining, showing how they can play under pressure, and experienced players with gold around their neck.

“When you put guys that are 19 years old and they just go out there, and they don’t think, they just play,” Vincent Desharnais said postgame. “Super impressive.”

As the trade dealine approaches and wildcard conversations come up, its important the Sharks can beat strong teams to be considered for a postseason spot. They will need to stay consistent with their newfound confidence in order to make being in the playoffs again, a reality.

The rebuild in San Jose has been defined by how quickly its younger core has moved from promise to production. Headlined by Celebrini and supported by fellow under-25 contributors, the Sharks have shifted from relying on veterans to leaning on draft capital and development.

Misa’s focus lies beyond the result of the game.

“I don’t want to get too high, don’t want to get too low. You’re going to have good games, you’re going to have bad games. I think it’s important to just focus on the next one,” he said.

That transition is central to the organization’s long-term plan: accumulate high-end prospects, give them meaningful NHL minutes, and allow them to grow together in defined roles. As those players take on top-six and top-four responsibilities, the rebuild moves from theoretical to doable, with the team’s competitive window increasingly tied to the progression of that young group.

With the trade deadline looming and the playoff picture tightening in the Western Conference, San Jose’s focus has shifted firmly toward earning a wild card spot. It would represent a major milestone in the Sharks’ rebuild, validating the progress of their young core and positioning the club to build momentum heading into the offseason.

Every point down the stretch matters, and victories against divisional rivals not only boost the standings but also reinforce the belief that this group can compete at a higher level. As the Sharks progress, consistency and resilience will be essential in turning a wild card opportunity into a reality.

Scoring Summary Winnipeg Jets at San Jose Sharks March 1, 2026

First period
2:44 WPG Morgan Barron from Tanner Pearson and Cole Koepke

Second period
No scoring

Third period
1:47 SJS Will Smith from Collin Graf and Macklin Celebrini

Overtime
1:40 SJS Michael Misa from William Eklund and Sam Dickinson