With Macklin Celebrini’s status for Saturday still uncertain, the San Jose Sharks could face the Edmonton Oilers without the team’s captain, putting Ryan Warsofsky’s emphasis on roster depth and contributions throughout the lineup to the test.
Fresh off a two-game road trip, the San Jose Sharks face a new challenge in the team’s search for identity. Head Coach Warsofsky is preparing the team to take on the Pacific Division-leading Oilers, focusing on his roster’s depth without its star. After stepping into the lineup against Dallas for the injured Macklin Celebrini, Ty Dellandrea looks to carry that opportunity forward as the Sharks prepare for Edmonton. His willingness to stay ready and contribute when called upon reflects Warsofsky’s emphasis on players throughout the lineup embracing their roles and helping the team succeed, regardless of the circumstances.
“We want to dictate games more often,” Warsofsky said. “Especially the starts.”
Against an Edmonton team that has opened the season strong, those contributions could prove decisive. The Sharks will need to find offense, sustain pressure and limit mistakes across all four lines, making dependable performances from players like Dellandrea all the more valuable as they look to establish themselves as a more competitive team in the NHL.
That need became clear Monday night in Dallas. Celebrini was ruled out with a lower-body injury after warmups, forcing the Sharks to adjust their lineup on short notice. Dellandrea drew into the lineup for his season debut, while Alexander Wennberg moved up to center the top line alongside Mason Marchment and Will Smith. Then, Dellandrea moved up to take Wennberg’s spot on the top line at the start of the second period
The changes highlighted how one absence can affect multiple roles throughout the roster, placing greater responsibility on players to adapt. San Jose struggled without its captain, falling 5-0 to Dallas. As the Sharks prepare for Edmonton, Warsofsky’s challenge is ensuring his team can respond to those disruptions, with players like Dellandrea ready to contribute wherever they are needed.
After stepping into the lineup on short notice, Dellandrea stressed that the team’s success cannot depend on one player.
“Doesn’t matter who goes in and comes out,” Dellandrea said. “Our captain and the biggest piece to the puzzle. But got to bring more than that.” His comments echo Warsofsky’s emphasis on collective responsibility, reinforcing the need for contributions throughout the lineup as San Jose looks to establish a consistent identity.
“Really good teams can move forward and still play a good brand of hockey,” Warsofsky said. “And find ways to have success when you’re missing your best player.”
Against Edmonton, the challenge will be sustaining that effort against one of the Pacific Division’s top teams. Warsofsky’s emphasis on dependable role players reflects the demands of a now 84-game season, where injuries and shifting responsibilities can test a team’s consistency.
Dellandrea’s experience shows the importance of being ready when opportunities arise, especially as San Jose continues to build the depth needed to compete beyond its star players.
“They understand a role,” Warsofsky said. “They want to help the team win, and you need players like that.”
Ultimately, Warsofsky’s message is simple: success depends on the entire lineup. As the Sharks continue to build their identity, players like Dellandrea will be key to making that vision a reality.