San Jose Sharks 2025-26 rebuild: Progress amid patience

The San Jose Sharks’ rebuild took another significant step forward with their win of the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NHL draft lottery. Jumping from the ninth-best odds, this marks the third consecutive top-two selection after landing Macklin Celebrini at No. 1 in 2024 and Michael Misa at No. 2 in 2025. NYT Athletic In the 2025-26 season, the Sharks posted a 39-35-8 record, earning 86 points and finishing fifth in the Pacific Division—their first season outside the division’s bottom three. Wikipedia StatMuse

This improvement signals the payoff from years of tanking and high draft picks. No playoffs since 2019, but the foundational pieces are aligning. Fans have endured the pain, but excitement is building for 2026-27.

The 2025-26 season in review

San Jose entered 2025-26 with heightened expectations after aggressive offseason moves. Veterans like Jeff Skinner, John Klingberg, Dmitry Orlov, and Alex Nedeljkovic joined the roster to support the youth. NHL.com The team played an entertaining, fast-paced style, ranking among the league’s youngest squads at sixth overall. SMHS Pony Express

They finished with 86 points, missing the playoffs by four points in the West. NYT Athletic This marked massive growth from prior years’ 20-50-12 mark. The Pacific remained weak, allowing fifth place despite defensive gaps.

Macklin Celebrini dominated, shattering Joe Thornton’s single-season franchise record with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games. Wikipedia NHL.com His production powered the offense, involved in over 50% of goals early on.

Key team leaders:

• Points: Celebrini (115)
• Goals: Celebrini (45)
• Assists: Celebrini (70)
• Plus/minus: Celebrini (+8)

As Macklin Celebrini’s second-year leap sparks Sharks’ rebuild highlights, his growth anchored the team. Goalie Yaroslav Askarov got his first full NHL shot, stabilizing the net.

The season ended without postseason, but the steps forward validated GM Mike Grier’s plan. For details on preseason outlook, check the NHL season preview.

Building the young core

Celebrini headlines a loaded group of recent high picks. Will Smith (No. 4, 2023) contributed steadily in a top-six role, showing strong even-strength play. NHL.com Michael Misa, the 2025 No. 2, debuted impressively after a dominant OHL year (134 points).

Sam Dickinson (No. 11, 2024) bolsters the blue line as a top prospect. William Eklund (No. 7, 2021) adds forward depth. These teens fueled historic moments, like a six-goal game with all tallies from teenagers.

Grier noted the need for patience: “A little more patience from the organization and fan base.” NHL.com Veterans provided leadership—Orlov and Mario Ferraro on D, Ryan Reaves for grit.

Emerging stars:

• Macklin Celebrini: Franchise record-setter
• Michael Misa: OHL standout turned NHL rookie
• Will Smith: Power-play threat
• Sam Dickinson: Record-breaking OHL defenseman

Luca Cagnoni impressed on the power play. Coach Ryan Warsofsky praised Dickinson: “If we believe that the best spot for him to be is to develop with us, then that’s what we’ll do.” NHL.com

Prospect depth ranks second league-wide. NYT Athletic This core positions San Jose for contention.

Navigating the 2026 draft lottery pick

The lottery bounce to No. 2 was “very exciting, but… a little wild,” per Grier. NYT Athletic Options include Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg or Penn State’s Gavin McKenna if available.

Defense needs loom, with targets like Carson Carels or Chase Reid. Forward depth is strong, reducing urgency there.

Trade talks heat up. The pick could net vets like Jason Robertson or Darnell Nurse. Grier prioritizes best player available unless a clear gap exists.

For trade scenarios, see The Athletic’s analysis. NYT Athletic Cap space and assets like Edmonton’s pick enhance flexibility.

Sanjose Sharks 2026 playoff odds project 64.7% chances, reflecting optimism.

Lessons from the Sharks’ approach

San Jose’s path underscores patience for rebuilding teams like Vancouver and Calgary. No shortcuts—endure losses, draft elite talent, develop properly.

High picks yielded generational pieces. Now, playoffs loom for 2026-27. The Sharks almost don’t need the pick, per some, but it accelerates.

Pain ahead for others, but long-term Cup potential follows. As primary example shows, cutting corners risks stagnation.

Luck helps, but consistent tanking paid dividends. Grier’s steady hand built this.

The foreseeable future holds contention, not just survival.

The Sharks exemplify rebuild done right. With lottery luck and core talent, expect playoffs next year and beyond. Fans’ patience nears reward—San Jose rises.