The San Jose Sharks have shown promising signs this early in the NHL season. As of November 6, they hold a record of 4-6-3, totaling 11 points in the standings. This positions them just three points behind the Seattle Kraken, who hold the final wild card spot in the competitive Western Conference. Though currently tied for 13th among 16 teams, their performance marks an improvement from the previous two seasons, where they held a deficit of seven points as of November 3.
Roster Challenges and Developments
One key development for the Sharks involves rookie defenseman Sam Dickinson. Recently confirmed to stay in San Jose beyond his ninth game, Dickinson celebrated his first NHL goal against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite his accomplishments, the Sharks face potential roster dilemmas. Currently, they have eight active defensemen, which includes Nick Leddy, who is on injured reserve but may soon return to action.
- To accommodate Leddy’s return, the Sharks may need to waive Vincent Iorio or trade another defenseman.
Upcoming Decisions on Young Players
Michael Misa is another young player whose future with the team is uncertain. He has played seven games, and if he reaches ten, it would activate the first year of his entry-level contract. Currently, the Sharks have 51 contracts, exceeding the limit, which means they would need to make a move if Misa plays another game. His recent performances show flashes of potential, but he still appears to be adjusting to the NHL level.
Impending Paydays for Star Players
As the Sharks navigate this season, significant paydays loom for standout players like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Logan Cooley’s recent eight-year, $80 million contract serves as a benchmark for these rising stars. Cooley has already recorded 12 points this season, demonstrating the lucrative potential for younger players in the league.
- Celebrini has amassed 81 points in 83 career games and ranks tied for fourth in the NHL with 18 points.
- Smith, who had a productive assist on Dickinson’s goal, has 56 points in 87 games.
If both players opt for eight-year extensions, they must finalize these by September 15, 2026. Failing to sign by this deadline would limit contract lengths to a maximum of seven years under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Evaluating Contract Moves and Player Performance
In light of recent performances, forward Philipp Kurashev’s one-year, $1.2 million deal looks increasingly beneficial for the Sharks. Kurashev has surprised many with a five-game point streak, totaling nine points so far this season. His success highlights the Sharks’ ability to uncover value in the free-agent market.
Improved Goaltending Strategy
The Sharks’ goaltending performance has also shown marked improvement. The duo of Alex Nedeljkovic and Yaroslav Askarov has achieved a combined .940 save percentage over their last three games. Nedeljkovic excelled against both New Jersey and Detroit, while Askarov shined in a recent overtime victory against Colorado.
- Nedeljkovic: 58 saves on 62 shots.
- Askarov: 36 saves on 38 shots.
Both goalies perform better with an extra day off between starts, suggesting the Sharks may benefit from a tandem approach moving forward.
