#5: San Jose Sharks
On the ice…
I have always loved the Sharks, so this pick burns me. I am just not sure about this version. Two years ago these Sharks finally went to a Cup Final with a great blend of veterans and up-and-coming youngsters with tons of talent. Add Martin Jones to that formula and I really felt the Sharks would be a threat for several years to come. The issue however is that the youngsters didn’t continue that progress through last season…and injuries would slow the momentum…and the Sharks would suffer a Cup Final hangover in a big way. Now Marleau is gone…a decision I agree with long-term, but for this season…It’s going to take more from the youngsters…I love the pickup of Boedker…and he has looked great in the preseason…but not many other players have looked better..including Jones…and if Martin Jones is anything below great the Sharks will struggle to make the playoffs because everyone else is getting better.
Potential Surprises…. * This is Timo Meier’s time…and so far he has been the Sharks best forward… * Donskoi has way too much talent and I could see him finding that “star… level. * Aaron Dell is more than a backup.
In the rumor mill…
It’s hard to imagine the Sharks as sellers, but Jannik Hansen and Joel Ward are UFA’s this July..Joel Ward especially has been a good playoff player..If the Sharks are looking to add it will be on the scoring side of the puck.
Best Case Scenario: They are a playoff team finishing in 3rd: 30% Worst Case: They struggle and the lesser teams of the past few years take a big step. they finish 7th. :10% Most Likely: They are a playoff bubble team and it will depend on how good the Central Wildcard teams are…They finish 4th or 5th . 60%
Crazy Prediction… Couture/Boedker/Donskoi become one of the top 5 lines in hockey
Coming up shortly, #4