Can the Sharks take the next step in 2025-26?
With the 2025-26 NHL season a week old, many teams are still hanging onto that preseason optimism. In the Bay Area, some still hold out hope that the San Jose Sharks have the potential to improve after years of futility.
Expectations are still slim for the team that has finished at the bottom of the league standings in each of the past two seasons. Yet, with a year under the belt of former first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini, the addition of talented rookies in Michael Misa and Sam Dickenson, and a solid core of veterans to help the youngsters find their footing, the Sharks have a chance to have a more successful campaign.
There will certainly be some growing pains for a team that’s still rebuilding, but fans in San Jose should expect to see a few more notches in the win column this year.
On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discuss whether the Sharks have a chance to perform better this season.
Tyler Yaremchuk: They’re going to be near the basement, but what kind of step forward can the Sharks have this season? They were 52 points last season. Are you seeing anything that makes you think they can push higher? ____ points for the Sharks this year.
Carter Hutton: I think they get into that low-60s range. I don’t think we’re sitting here, late in the year, being like, ‘Hey, if they get hot, they could be involved in it.’ I just think you’re going to find more of a consistent team with the young talent. Again, it’s going to be how their goaltending goes. I think [Alex] Nedeljkovic obviously had a rough go, but I feel like having a guy that you can play 40 and 42 with [Yaroslav] Askarov, the younger star that you’re really trying to develop, but still give him smarter starts with your young core of players like Will Clark, like Macklin Celebrini, these guys that are built to develop into superstars.
I think there’s more potential this year. I think what they need to avoid, what they’ve done in the last few years, is those 12 double-digit losing streak games, where it just hurts the culture and hurts the development of players. I look for a more consistent team on and off the rink. That being said, I still don’t think they’re ready to really take a step and be in the conversation as the season goes on.
You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…