Will the Sharks make the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

The San Jose Sharks have been one of hockey’s most exciting teams to watch in the last few seasons, and after a recent stretch of success, some are wondering if they’re good enough to compete for a playoff spot.

After a 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth Monday night, the Sharks are 13-11-3 with 29 points through their first 27 games of the 2025-26 regular season, which is currently fourth in the Pacific Division. Macklin Celebrini leads the NHL in assists with 26 and is second in the league in points with 40. Meanwhile, Will Smith is averaging a point per game with 12 goals and 15 assists in 27 contests.

On Tuesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss the Sharks’ recent upswing and if they have what it takes to sneak into the postseason this spring.

Tyler Yaremchuk: As it stands right now, the Sharks are in a playoff spot and they are above the Mammoth, the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets. Is it time we start giving the Sharks the same type of respect and love we give the Chicago Blackhawks?

Carter Hutton: I think so, I think they’re at that point now with their young talent.

This is a team that, I think for a little while, got a free pass. Even when they were struggling horribly, nobody was really hard on them. For certain teams, when they struggle, they get it. But San Jose is moving in the right direction.

They have some young, talented players. Yaroslav Askarov îs unbelievable, arguably one of the best goalies under 25. Things are looking up, and you know who I really like? Tyler Toffoli. He played really well last night, and he’s been that mentor in this group.

This is a team we have to start talking about. I don’t know if they’re there quite yet, or if this is sustainable, but they got a lot of things moving in the right direction.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…