CPF Hockey

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Sharks Sign Phillip Sinn + Re-Sign Jimmy Huntington

The Sharks announced two recent signings over the past 48 hours: defenseman Phillip Sinn to a two-year, entry-level deal and forward Jimmy Huntington to a one-year, two-way contract.

Phillip Sinn is a new addition to the Sharks organization from the DEL in Germany. He spent most of last season with EHC Munchen, recording one goal, two assists, and three points in 35 games. Sinn also has four assists in seven games for ESV Kaufberen in the second-tier DEL and appeared in 11 playoff games for EHC Munchen. Internationally, Sinn represented Germany in this year's IIHF World Championship, appearing in five games. In addition, he participated in the World Junior tournaments in 2023 and 2024, scoring a combined two goals, five assists, and seven points in ten games for Team Germany. I did not know who Phillip Sinn was before he signed with the Sharks today, and I am not entirely sure where he fits in with them at this time, but he should be able to help fill Team Teal's biggest organizational need at defense going forward.

Announced yesterday prior to the addition of Sinn was the re-signing of forward Jimmy Huntington to a one-year, two-way contract. Last season, Huntington compiled 15 goals, 33 assists, and 48 points in 71 regular-season games, along with a goal and an assist in two Calder Cup Playoff games for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL. These stats set career highs for Huntington, and his 48 points are tied for second on the Barracuda last season. In addition, Huntington's 33 assists and 15 goals are good for third and sixth on the Barracuda respectively. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Huntington put together 11 multi-point performances, three three-point efforts, and two separate four-game point streaks. While this may not have much implication at the NHL level, Jimmy Huntington will be a key component in keeping the Barracuda competitive next season.

Source: Sharks + SAP Center App

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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Sharks Sign Carson Wetsch to Entry-Level Contract

The Sharks announced today that they have signed forward and former 2024 third-round pick Carson Wetsch to a standard, entry-level contract that begins next season.

Not only do the Sharks see Wetsch as a valuable prospect to their organization, but they had to take care of business and sign him before the June 1 deadline. If Wetsch were to not sign with the Sharks before the start of next month, he would likely have to re-enter the draft in order to get another shot at potentially playing in the NHL.

Carson Wetsch had a career year for the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL in 2025-26, serving as Kelowna's team captain and recording 22 goals, 50 assists, and 72 points in 65 games. He also compiled two goals, two assists, and four points in eight playoff games this past season and will be competing in the Memorial Cup later this month.

Overall, while nothing major at this time, I am glad the Sharks were able to sign Carson Wetsch to his first pro contract. He will definitely be a significant and much-needed addition to the Barracuda in the AHL starting next season.

Sources: Sharks + SAP Center App, Curtis Pashelka via X

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Sharks Earn Second Overall Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

The Sharks became the second-luckiest team in this year’s NHL Draft Lottery, winning the second draw for the second overall pick and jumping seven spots from their originally projected ninth overall spot at the end of the regular season.

This will be the second consecutive year that the Sharks’ first pick in the NHL Draft comes in at second overall. The only other team that got luckier than the Sharks in the draft lottery this year was the Toronto Maple Leafs, who jumped four spots from the fifth-best odds to earn the first overall selection.

Before further discussing what this means for the Sharks, here are the full results from the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery:

1) Toronto Maple Leafs

2) San Jose Sharks

3) Vancouver Canucks

4) Chicago Blackhawks

5) New York Rangers

6) Calgary Flames

7) Seattle Kraken

8) Winnipeg Jets

9) Florida Panthers

10) Nashville Predators

11) St. Louis Blues

12) New Jersey Devils

13) New York Islanders

14) Columbus Blue Jackets

15) St. Louis Blues (from Detroit Red Wings)

16) Washington Capitals

Overall, while completely unexpected, getting the second overall pick in this year’s draft is massive and unreal for the Sharks, and I could not be more satisfied with how things all played out and aligned here. Assuming the Maple Leafs take Gavin McKenna first overall on June 26 in Buffalo, I anticipate the Sharks will select either Ivar Stenberg, the second-ranked draft prospect on many NHL draft boards this year, or one of the top defensemen in this year’s draft class, such as Chase Reid or Keaton Verhoeff. Regardless, whoever the Sharks select with the second overall pick this year could be the final building block to complete their rebuild and fully open up their playoff contention window, and I am very excited to find out who the chosen one in this position is.

In other news, earlier today the Sharks announced that they re-signed forward Patrick Giles to a two-year, two-way contract. Giles primarily spent the 2025-26 season with the Barracuda in the AHL, recording ten goals, 14 assists, and 24 points in 67 games, setting career-highs in points and assists in the AHL in his first full season with the Barracuda. He also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games for the Barracuda and three NHL games with the Sharks this past season, registering his first NHL assist on November 2 against the Red Wings.

Sources: ESPN, Sharks + SAP Center App

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Macklin Celebrini Named 2026 Ted Lindsay Award Finalist

The NHL and NHLPA announced their finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player as determined by the players, and Sharks superstar and face of the franchise Macklin Celebrini was named one of the finalists for this year alongside the Lightning's Nikita Kucherov and the Oilers' Connor McDavid.

Macklin Celebrini's out-of-this-world sophomore campaign needs little introduction, especially to Sharks fans and hockey fans everywhere. He finished his 2025-26 season with 45 goals, 70 assists, and 115 points. Most notably, Celebrini set the Sharks franchise record for most points scored in a season and became the third-highest scoring teenager in NHL history, only trailing Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky. He also factored in on nearly half of all Sharks goals this past season, and the Sharks would rarely win if Celebrini is held off of the scoresheet.

Overall, this is absolutely fantastic and the second of many NHL award finalist nominations for Celebrini. As much as I want Macklin to win the Ted Lindsay this year, I have a gut feeling that it will go to either McDavid or Kucherov. Regardless of who ends up winning the Ted Lindsay this year, this is a huge honor for Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks, and their greatness is only just beginning.

Source: Sharks + SAP Center App

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Sharks 2025-26 Game 82 Recap: Sharks 6, Jets 1 (4/16/26)

The Sharks could not have ended their 2025-26 season any better, as Macklin Celebrini made franchise history and nine total Sharks players found the scoresheet in a 6-1 complete blowout victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

The Jets struck first just three and a half minutes into this one on a breakaway goal by Cole Koepke. A bit later, the Sharks evened the game at one on a power play goal by Igor Chernyshov for his ninth goal of the season, assisted by William Eklund and Macklin Celebrini. Later in the opening period, the Sharks went ahead on Will Smith's 24th goal of the season, assisted by Macklin Celebrini and John Klingberg. This second assist of the contest gives Celebrini 70 assists and 114 points on the season, tying Joe Thornton for the Sharks franchise record for most points scored by a player in a season.

Early in the second period, Collin Graf went coast to coast and scored a sweet goal for his 21st of the season to extend the Sharks' lead to two. The Sharks added two more goals in the final two minutes of the second period to make it a 5-1 contest. These last two goals of the second period began with Michael Misa scoring his ninth goal of the season off of his own rebound, assisted by William Eklund and John Klingberg, followed by William Eklund's 15th goal of the season, assisted by Mario Ferraro and Kiefer Sherwood. Just over a minute into the third period, Macklin Celebrini officially made Sharks franchise history, as he scored his 45th goal of the season to make it a five-goal game, assisted by John Klingberg and Will Smith. Celebrini is now the Sharks franchise leader for points scored in a season with 115, and also holds sole possession of the second-most goals scored by a Sharks player in a season in franchise history. In terms of goals scored in a season in Sharks history, Macklin Celebrini only trails Jonathan Cheechoo, who scored 56 goals and won the Rocket Richard Trophy during the 2005-06 season.

Alex Nedeljkovic started in the crease in the Sharks’ season finale and was absolutely phenomenal, compiling 25 saves on 26 shots against. After giving up the first goal early in this one, Nedeljkovic completely shut the door on the Jets in the last game of the campaign. In addition, John Klingberg was back in the Sharks lineup to play his 700th NHL game and likely his final game in teal, amazingly recording three assists tonight. Ty Dellandrea, Philipp Kurashev, and Pavol Regenda also drew back into the Sharks lineup for their season finale, while Vincent Desharnais, Tyler Toffoli, and Alex Wennberg were healthy scratches. Earlier today, Eric Pohlkamp signed his two-year entry-level contract, which will officially start for the 2026-27 season now that his collegiate season is complete.

And with that, the Sharks finished their 2025-26 season with a 39-35-8 record and 86 points, heading into the offseason with the ninth-best odds to win the draft lottery and likely to land a top-ten pick in the draft this year. Despite falling short of the playoffs, this season has been a major success for this Sharks team, having taken the biggest jump up the standings of any team in the NHL from the very bottom to being in the playoff hunt until their last few games of the season.

The primary reason for the Sharks' significant improvement this season compared to the past six has been the play of their teenage superstar and face of the franchise, Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini has set countless Sharks franchise and NHL records in his sophomore season, placing himself up there with some hockey royalty. With the kind of season he just had, Celebrini will certainly be named a finalist for the Hart Trophy for league MVP. He has also earned every bit of the Sharks' next captaincy as soon as next season and is only getting better from here. It was also great to see Will Smith elevate his game in his sophomore campaign and Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson, and Igor Chernyshov display flashes of greatness in their rookie seasons as well. While it has been up and down at times, the Sharks’ goaltending has been solid, and the mid-season acquisition of Kiefer Sherwood has worked out in the Sharks’ favor so far. This Sharks team has laid the foundation for what’s to come, and if they can bolster their defense and make some tweaks to their depth scoring this offseason, they should safely be a playoff team next season.

While the Sharks aren’t in them this year, I am looking forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and would be happy to see any of the current playoff teams except for the Kings, Golden Knights, and Oilers go on deep runs. In addition, I would be okay with any current playoff team except for any of the Sharks’ Pacific Division rivals or the Mammoth hoisting the Stanley Cup this year.

Overall, this season has been the most fun I have had watching the San Jose Sharks since their last playoff run in 2019. While I am a bit sad that this season is over, I am definitely excited and optimistic for what’s in store for Team Teal going forward.

Sources: NBC Sports California, NHL App

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Sharks 2025-26 Game 81 Recap: Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2 (4/15/26)

After they got off to a great start and held a lead through two periods of play, the Sharks allowed the Chicago Blackhawks to score four unanswered goals and completely take over in a 5-2 Blackhawks victory.

The Sharks scored first early in the opening period on Mario Ferraro's seventh goal of the season, assisted by Kiefer Sherwood. He also got a few lucky deflections off of Spencer Knight and a Blackhawks defender on that opening goal. Late in the opening period, Ilya Mikheyev was awarded a penalty shot after he was hooked from behind by Dmitry Orlov, preventing Mikheyev from scoring. Fortunately, Yaroslav Askarov made the stop on Mikheyev's penalty shot.

Early in the second period, Tyler Toffoli nearly had his 20th goal of the season, only for the Blackhawks to challenge it for offsides and get it overturned. The Sharks officially made it a two-goal lead on the power play via Michael Misa’s eighth goal of the season, assisted by Dmitry Orlov and Kiefer Sherwood. Like the Sharks’ first goal of this contest, they got another lucky deflection off of a Blackhawks defender to go their way. With 29 seconds remaining in the second period, the Blackhawks got on the board via Sam Rinzel to cut the Sharks’ advantage to one.

Chicago scored twice more early in the third period via Louis Crevier and Ryan Greene to gain their first lead of the night. Towards the midway point of the third period, the Blackhawks made it a two-goal lead on Louis Crevier’s second goal of the night. Chicago wasn’t done yet in the third period, extending their lead to three and fully taking this one over on a goal from Nick Lardis.

Yaroslav Askarov made his final start of the season tonight for Team Teal, recording 19 saves on 24 shots against.

It seemed like the Sharks were going to cruise to victory in their next-to-last game of the season heading into the third period, but it was frustrating that they allowed the Blackhawks to climb back into this one and fully take over. On the bright side, this loss should improve the Sharks’ chances of landing a top-ten pick in this year’s draft to the point where it’s almost a guarantee. Next up, the Sharks travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets in their final game of the 2025-26 season tomorrow at 5 pm PT.

Sources: NBC Sports California, NHL App

Monday, April 13, 2026

Sharks 2025-26 Game 80 Recap: Sharks 3, Predators 2 (4/13/26)

Team Teal began its final road trip of the season with a huge 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators.

The Sharks got off to a fantastic start to the road trip, scoring first in the middle of the second period via Igor Chernyshov on the power play for his eighth goal of the season, assisted by William Eklund and Michael Misa. San Jose extended its lead to two early in the third period on Macklin Celebrini’s 43rd goal of the season, assisted by Igor Chernyshov and Will Smith. Later in the third period, the Predators got on the board on a goal from Luke Evangelista to cut the Sharks’ lead to one. A few minutes after, Macklin Celebrini buried one into the empty net for his second goal of the contest and 44th goal of the season, assisted by Collin Graf and Alex Wennberg. The Predators followed that up with another goal from Luke Evangelista to put themselves within one again. Fortunately for the Sharks, they were able to hold on for a massive victory over the Predators to keep their slim playoff hopes alive temporarily.

Alex Nedeljkovic started in the crease for the Sharks to begin their final road trip of the season and came up clutch, compiling 25 saves on 27 shots against. In addition, yesterday the Sharks recalled Luca Cagnoni from the Barracuda, and he made his season debut tonight in Nashville, taking the place of Nick Leddy on the blue line.

Not only was this a massive victory for the Sharks, but this snapped a 15-game win streak for the Predators against the Sharks, the longest active win streak held by a team over a specific opponent in the NHL until tonight. Macklin Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov were the best skaters on the ice tonight, leading the way with two goals and a goal and assist respectively. Alex Nedeljkovic was outstanding in net and a major factor in leading the Sharks to victory in Nashville. San Jose’s slim playoff hopes all rest on the shoulders of the Kings-Kraken game occurring after the conclusion of the Sharks’ win over the Predators tonight. Unfortunately, with the Kings 5-3 win over the Kraken tonight, LA clinches the last playoff spot in the Western Conference and eliminate the Sharks from playoff contention. Regardless of any outcome tonight, their win over the Predators has to feel great for this Sharks team, and it has been a fun ride until the very end for them this season. Next up, the Sharks travel to Chicago to face the Blackhawks in their next-to-last game of the season on Wednesday at 5 pm PT.

Sources: Sharks Audio Network, NHL App, Multiple Sources via X