Do the San Jose Sharks have a draft capital problem, or is cap space their next big weapon? With Macklin Celebrini accelerating the franchise’s timeline and names like Will Smith, William Eklund, and Sam Dickinson forming a formidable young core, the focus is shifting from stockpiling picks to building a contender around generational talent.
JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ recent pick trades, the real value of second and third-round selections, and why holding onto those crucial first-rounders is essential. Hear how Mike Grier’s philosophy is evolving, which prospects could become trade chips, and why San Jose’s massive $53 million in projected cap space positions them as major free agency players. Can the Sharks maximize Celebrini’s prime, or risk wasting a superstar’s window? Find out which roster moves and strategic shifts could define the next era of San Jose Sharks hockey.
Timestamps:
00:00 Sharks’ Draft Rebuild Strategy
03:44 NHL Draft Picks and Prospects
08:42 Sharks’ Draft Strategy Shift
13:39 Sharks Can’t Afford to Wait
16:18 Sharks Must Consolidate Assets
19:09 Sharks Must Build Around Celebrini
23:34 Sharks Poised for Free Agency
26:08 Macklin Celebrini: Win Over Tank
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11 Comments
No they don't, this year will be a good test for the scouting department and the front office to see how they draft without having a top 3 or 5 pick like they've had the last three drafts.
I mean it sounds like they can move back with that oilers pick if they need more picks
How many times do you get a top 5 point producer for under $1 mil against the cap? Maybe retain some picks this year fine but next year fuck them picks let’s go for it before Celebrini gets the brinks truck he deserves
If they can get lucky or high enough in the lottery to draft LD Alberts Smits he'd be perfect on the blueline. Celebrini – Misa down the middle with Dickinson and Smits on the top two defense pairs moving forward would be a problem.
With Celebrini's play/development I see sharks going big game hunting in free agency in the next 2-3 off seasons. If any star players hit free agency you can be sure they will be interested in signing in San Jose
Great episode, JD.
Upgrading the defense is the only focus, and you’re right that Celebrini increases the urgency. Two 1st round picks in the teens in 2025 is what landed Noah Dobson for the Habs. The Sharks are probably looking for a different profile, but two equivalent picks might land an Owen Power this offseason. The Sharks have invested a lot in their amateur scouts and they have done a great job, but the pro scouts might get the nod here soon.
It is absolutely insane how fast the timeframe changed because of what Celebrini is doing.
Last summer the Sharks drafted Ravensbergen, and the discussion was "well, he's likely not making an NHL impact for about 4 or 5 years, no need to rush." Then they drafted Haoxi Wang, and the discussion was "it's a big swing, he'll probably play one more year in juniors, likely at least 2 years in the NCAA, then Barracuda, he'll maybe be a Shark in about 5 years. No need to rush."
There's a lot of those "might take another couple years" assets that might end up being turned into a "not quite as high of a ceiling, but he's there now" type player. It's just so weird how we went from "a few years out" to where next season the foot might be on the pedal.
Signing legit talent via free agency will be a long shot since the raising cap means free agents have just signed with their current teams. Getting talent here will mean trading for them
Just give it time dont rush
tank one last year since we have 3 picks in first 2 rounds. Then it's over, off to the races.