The Sharks, once again, are one of the worst teams in the NHL. Just four years after a memorable run to the Western Conference Final, the Sharks have disappointed yet again. What went wrong? A combination of the Sharks’ inexperienced young talent and lack of superstar talent meant San Jose could not compete with the other elite teams in the NHL’s Pacific Division.

Negatives

The Sharks began the season on an 11-game losing streak, tying the NHL record for the longest losing streak to open a season. Then, just a month later, they lost 12 consecutive games, the longest losing streak in the NHL since 2014. The Sharks currently boast the league’s worst goal differential (their difference between goals scored and goals allowed), –102, and have allowed a whopping 208 goals, also the worst in the NHL.
Currently, only the Blackhawks can compete with the Sharks for last place in the standings. The coveted first-overall pick would certainly accelerate the Sharks’ rebuild, likely by drafting forward Macklin Celebrini out of Boston University. After missing out on superstar Connor Bedard last season, the first pick would greatly aid the Sharks.
Last summer, the Sharks traded defenceman Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. After winning the Norris Trophy the season before, awarded to the best defenceman in the league, fans were not thrilled to see him off. Timo Meier, also a major piece in the Sharks’ success in the late 2010s, was traded to the New Jersey Devils for Fabian Zetterlund, among other prospects and draft picks. With Mike Grier in his second year as General Manager, these big shake-ups were not received well. Coach David Quinn, also in his second year, is coming off another terrible season that saw Team Teal place fourth-worst in the league. However, the two have found rare successes in a season of failures.

Positives

While San Jose has played atrociously overall, there have been bright spots. Young players like William Eklund are already making a splash in the NHL, and Quentin Musty and Will Smith are on the rise in minor leagues like the OHL and NCAA, respectively.
The Sharks have a very deep prospect pool, which bodes well for future Sharks teams. Also, with captain Logan Couture playing his first game in late January, the Sharks heated up slightly, who won five of ten and obtained points in seven of ten following his return.
Most importantly, San Jose’s goaltending is much improved from last season. With James Reimer sent to Detroit, Mackenzie Blackwood was signed from the New Jersey Devils. After a poor start to the season, Blackwood has shown flashes of elite goaltending since. The good goaltending has been a reprieve for Sharks fans who sat through last year’s disastrous season.
Tomas Hertl was selected as the team’s All-Star, pacing the team in points, and continuing his development into a future core member of the Sharks.

Looking forward

There aren’t many things the Sharks can do right now to improve the team. They cashed out on a goalie, Blackwood, last offseason, and appear to be set for a few more years with solid goaltending. An absolute must, however, is the draft. By drafting for the future, the Sharks can set themselves up for success in the coming years. Most importantly, the Sharks need time. The team can’t come together overnight, there will likely be more losing seasons in the near future. Rebuilds are lengthy, but it will be worth it.