Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks enter contender stage after long rebuild

San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini and the team are entering a new phase after a rebuild that has resulted in seven consecutive seasons without a playoff berth. Celebrini, a 20-year-old player with one of the best seasons ever for a player so young, is leading a young core of players that recently fought their way into playoff contention. This season, the Sharks aim to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and experience the playoffs.

The team has bolstered its roster with veteran defensemen Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba and Michael Kesserling, as well as forward Mason Marchment. The group of young players is led by Celebrini, Will Smith, Michael Misa, Igor Chernyshov, and Sam Dickinson. San Jose also signed three first-round picks this summer, including Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg, who could step in and contribute on the top six.

General manager Mike Grier believes the team now has the necessary experience and grit to compete in the playoffs. Trouba, who has played 85 career playoff games, emphasizes the team's goal to play a hard game and be hard to play against. Coach Ryan Warsofsky recently received an extension, signaling confidence in the team's potential to return to playoff contention.