Sharks Exceed Expectations Despite Missing Playoffs

Young stars like Macklin Celebrini lead the way as San Jose makes late-season push

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Sharks hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, black, and white colors representing the team's energy and competitive spirit.The Sharks' unexpected playoff push this season showcased the team's bright future, with young stars like Macklin Celebrini leading the way.San Jose Today

The San Jose Sharks exceeded expectations this season, remaining in playoff contention late into the year despite being projected to struggle. Led by young stars like Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks made a 30-point improvement over last season, though they ultimately fell short of the postseason. The team's bright future has them optimistic about the seasons to come.

Why it matters

The Sharks' surprising performance this season has raised expectations for the franchise, putting more pressure on coach Ryan Warsofsky and GM Mike Grier to continue the team's upward trajectory. The development of young players like Celebrini, Smith, Misa, and Chernyshov will be crucial to the Sharks' long-term success.

The details

Despite being projected to struggle, the Sharks remained in playoff contention late into the season, at one point holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. Their 37-34-8 record represents a 30-point improvement over last season, when they had the fewest points in the league. The Sharks' competitive improvement convinced GM Grier to be a buyer at the trade deadline, acquiring Kiefer Sherwood from the Canucks. The team also retained several impending free agents, signaling their belief in the current roster.

  • The Sharks were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention last week with back-to-back regulation losses to the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.
  • The Sharks will play their final game of the season on Monday in Nashville against the Predators.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

The Sharks' young superstar, who is expected to be on Hart Trophy ballots after a 110-point season in just his second year.

Ryan Warsofsky

The Sharks' 38-year-old head coach, who is in his second season with the team and facing heightened expectations after the team's surprising performance.

Mike Grier

The Sharks' general manager, who changed the team's narrative by being a buyer at the trade deadline rather than a seller, signaling his belief in the current roster.

Kiefer Sherwood

The winger acquired by the Sharks from the Canucks at the trade deadline, who signed a five-year, $28.75-million contract extension.

Mario Ferraro

A Sharks defenseman who expressed confidence in the team's roster moves at the trade deadline, saying they make the group feel they can get the job done.

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What they’re saying

“Our whole group's motivated. We know what we're capable of, and I think we showed it this year. No one expected us to be in the position we're in, except for all of us. We all believed it from the start. We played a lot of really good hockey, and I think we just got to play more consistently. Kind of limit some of those slides.”

— Macklin Celebrini

“It makes us feel confident about what we have in the room in order to get it done. And obviously adding (Sherwood) is a big addition. He's come in and he has done a fantastic job of just bringing some more intensity, some more leadership and energy to the room.”

— Mario Ferraro, Sharks Defenseman

“You stay true to what you believe in. You just stay true to yourself. You keep teaching. You keep working with the guys. Keep pushing them and challenging them. Sometimes you got to put your arm around them, and sometimes you got to push them in the right direction. And sometimes, you got to teach them, whether that's through video.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Sharks Head Coach

What’s next

The Sharks will need to address several areas in the offseason, including more consistent goaltending, upgrading their defense corps, and determining whether to re-sign pending free agent Mario Ferraro.

The takeaway

The Sharks' surprising performance this season has raised expectations for the franchise, putting pressure on the team's leadership to continue the upward trajectory. The development of young stars like Macklin Celebrini will be crucial to the team's long-term success, as they look to build on this year's near-playoff run.