2026-27 NHL team preview: San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season since 2019, but showed significant improvement in 2025-26, highlighted by Macklin Celebrini's MVP-caliber performance that had them within five points of a playoff spot by the Olympic break. At the trade deadline, the team traded Timothy Liljegren to the Washington Capitals for a draft pick but largely stood pat. The Sharks then secured the second overall pick in the NHL Draft lottery and made high-profile trades including acquiring Michael Kesselring, setting up an intriguing 2026-27 season.