Will Celebrini Claim the Calder Trophy?
The San Jose Sharks, despite being on track for yet another non-playoff season, have a bright spot in rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini. This 18-year-old phenomenon has become the Sharks’ standout player, leading all first-year NHLers in scoring with 40 points in just 45 games. Celebrini’s performance is not just impressive for a rookie; it’s remarkable given the Sharks’ struggles. He’s doing this while anchoring the center position for the league’s worst team, demonstrating exceptional poise and skill. Despite the intense pressure, Celebrini has also maintained a credible defensive game, further endearing himself to the fanbase.
However, the Calder Trophy race is highly competitive. Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens leads all rookies with 41 points in 56 games, and his defensive contributions are equally impressive. Dustin Wolf, a native of Gilroy, California, has been instrumental in keeping the Calgary Flames competitive with a solid 19-11-3 record and a .912 save percentage. Matvei Michkov, while cooling down after a strong start, still boasts 17 goals and 36 points in 55 games, keeping him in the conversation. At this point, it seems that the Calder Trophy will likely be decided by Celebrini, Hutson, and Wolf, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
Watch the Kids
Beyond Celebrini, the Sharks have a cadre of young players who are shaping the team’s future. Will Smith, a 19-year-old center-winger, has shown flashes of brilliance, registering two goals and six assists in his last nine games before the 4 Nations Faceoff break. His performance has been encouraging, and Sharks fans are eager to see if he can maintain this level of play. William Eklund, a 22-year-old winger, is on pace for a career-high 58 points. While he excels offensively, he is also working to refine his two-way game.
The Sharks’ prospects don’t stop there. Winger Collin Graf and defensemen Henry Thrun, Jack Thompson, and Shakir Mukhamadullin are all vying for a permanent spot on the roster. Each player brings unique skills, and their performances in the final 25 games will be crucial in determining their future with the team. In the AHL, goalie Yaroslav Askarov and wingers Thomas Bordeleau, Danil Gushchin, and Ethan Cardwell are waiting in the wings, ready to step up if called upon. Notably, Luca Cagnoni, a defenseman in the AHL, leads all rookie blueliners with 36 points in 46 games, making him a potential breakout star.
Trade Deadline Speculations
The February 4 trade of Mikael Granlund, Cody Ceci, and Mackenzie Blackwood has left the Sharks with fewer trade pieces heading into the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline. However, general manager Mike Grier still has options. Pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) Luke Kunin, Nico Sturm, and Jan Rutta, along with goalies Vitek Vanecek and Alexandar Georgiev, could be moved. While these players may not fetch high returns, their departures could provide cap relief and draft picks for the future.
Defender Mario Ferraro has been a constant in trade rumors, and his future with the Sharks remains uncertain. More intriguingly, the Sharks might use the deadline to bring in a potential core piece. They have the Dallas Stars’ 2025 first-round pick, acquired in the Granlund and Ceci trade, which could be a valuable asset in acquiring a key player. Whether the Sharks decide to build through trades or continue to develop their young talent will be a critical decision for Grier and the front office.
Can the Sharks Reverse Their Tailspin?
Since trading Blackwood, the Sharks have struggled, posting a dismal 5-20-2 record. The long break and the need to reset the team’s mentality are crucial. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky acknowledges the team’s past struggles, noting, "In the last couple of years, it’s you just try to get through the games and get to the end of the season. We’re going to try to compete." The bar is indeed low, but setting a positive attitude and showing improvement in the final 25 games could be a step in the right direction.
The Sharks’ performance in the final quarter of the season will be a litmus test for their resilience and determination. The 2022-23 Sharks finished with a 5-15-5 record in their last 25 games, and last year’s team was 4-17-4. While the expectations are modest, a respectable finish could provide a morale boost and valuable experience for the young players. Additionally, a poor finish could position the Sharks to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, a potential silver lining in a difficult season.
Potential Impact of the No. 1 Pick
The Sharks’ draft position is a significant factor in their long-term success. Securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft could provide a transformative player. Prospects like Matthew Schaefer, a dynamic two-way defenseman, Porter Martone, a power forward, Michael Misa, a versatile center, and James Hagens, a playmaking pivot, could all be potential game-changers. Each of these players brings unique strengths that could address the Sharks’ needs and help them build a competitive roster for the future.
For Sharks fans, the possibility of a top pick is a ray of hope amid a challenging season. The team’s focus on developing young talent, combined with the potential to draft a high-impact player, could set the stage for a brighter future. As the 2024-25 season enters its final stretch, the Sharks will look to balance the immediate need for improvement with the long-term goal of rebuilding a winning team.
Summing It Up
The San Jose Sharks’ 2024-25 season has been a challenging one, but there are several intriguing storylines to watch as the team enters the final 25 games. Macklin Celebrini’s bid for the Calder Trophy, the development of other young players, the trade deadline decisions, and the potential to secure a high draft pick all add layers of interest. Despite the team’s struggles, the focus on the future and the potential for long-term success offer hope for Sharks fans. As the season concludes, the Sharks will aim to finish strong, both to build morale and to position themselves for a brighter future.
