Sharks Awards 2025-26: Celebrini Shines, Nedeljkovic Snubbed

A breakdown of the winners and my thoughts on the Sharks' annual awards

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:33am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant blues, greens, and reds, capturing the dynamic movements and energy of a Sharks hockey game in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the Sharks' standout players and their award-winning performances this season.San Jose Today

As an avid San Jose Sharks fan, I couldn't help but share my thoughts on the team's 2025-26 season awards. While the accolades recognize the squad's achievements, there are some interesting insights to be had by looking beyond the surface-level honors. From a close Player of the Year race to the surprising Media Good Guy award, the Sharks' awards showcase the depth and talent of this roster.

Why it matters

The Sharks' annual awards provide a window into the team's performance, highlighting the standout players and unsung heroes. By analyzing the winners and the voting process, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the team's strengths, areas for improvement, and the potential future stars emerging from the organization.

The details

The Player of the Year award was a tough call between Macklin Celebrini, Alex Wennberg, and Dmitry Orlov, with Celebrini ultimately taking home the top honor. While Celebrini's season was remarkable, Wennberg's defensive prowess and Orlov's all-around game also deserved recognition. The Media Good Guy award went to Mario Ferraro, a three-time winner, but I believe Alex Nedeljkovic's post-game accountability and Celebrini's media savvy should have been considered. In the Rookie of the Year category, Yaroslav Askarov's dominant November performance edged out Sam Dickinson. Finally, the Prospect of the Year award, voted on by the team's hockey operations, went to Eric Pohlkamp, whose NCAA championship and Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist status make him an exciting prospect for the Sharks' future.

  • Sharks' 2025-26 Awards were announced in April 2026.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A standout player for the San Jose Sharks, who had an exceptional season and was named the team's Player of the Year.

Alex Wennberg

A Sharks player known for his defensive prowess and consistent performance, who was a finalist for the Player of the Year award.

Dmitry Orlov

A Sharks player with an all-around game and the ability to move the puck, who was also a finalist for the Player of the Year award.

Mario Ferraro

A three-time winner of the Sharks' Media Good Guy award, recognized for his positive interactions with the media.

Alex Nedeljkovic

A Sharks player who was praised for his post-game candor and accountability, particularly after tough losses, but was not recognized for the Media Good Guy award.

Yaroslav Askarov

The Sharks' Rookie of the Year, who had a dominant November performance with an 8-2-2 record and a .940 save percentage.

Sam Dickinson

A Sharks rookie who was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award, but did not reach the same heights as Askarov.

Eric Pohlkamp

The Sharks' Prospect of the Year, who won an NCAA championship and was a Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist, showcasing his potential as a future star for the organization.

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What’s next

The Sharks will look to build on their successful 2025-26 season and continue to develop their young talent, including Celebrini, Askarov, and Pohlkamp, as they aim to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Sharks' annual awards showcase the depth and talent of the team, highlighting both established stars and emerging prospects. While the accolades recognize the squad's achievements, the voting process and selection of winners provide valuable insights into the team's strengths, areas for improvement, and the potential future stars within the organization.