Megan: A $94 million dollar man, a $12.75 million dollar deal, and a kid who's about to be on every hockey video game cover in America. Today's mailbag is stacked, Sharks fam.
Steve: And we're going to break it all down. This is Beatline, the San Jose Sharks daily podcast.
Megan: I'm Megan, and as always, Steve is here with the analysis. We're answering YOUR questions about the biggest headlines of the summer.
Steve: Macklin Celebrini's massive extension, Collin Graf's new deal, and the wide-open battles for roster spots up front and on the blue line.
Megan: Plus, a fun hypothetical that might just start a debate between us, and a lightning round to close it out.
Megan: Let's get right into it. First up, the question that's on everyone's mind.
Megan: We've got a question from Sarah in Rochester. She asks: 'Macklin Celebrini just signed the biggest contract in NHL history. How does that change expectations for this team?'
Steve: That's the million-dollar question, or should I say the $94 million question.
Megan: She's right, Steve. This is a five-year, $94 million extension with an $18.8 million average annual value. That makes him the highest-paid player in the league.
Steve: And he's 20 years old. The expectations for him individually are through the roof, but for the team, I think it's about building around him.
Megan: Right, and he's already said he'd consider a discount to help the team. That's the kind of commitment that changes a franchise.
Steve: Exactly. He's the cornerstone. Now it's about putting the right pieces around him. And speaking of pieces, the front office has been busy.
Megan: Yeah, this team is not the same team that finished fifth in the Pacific last year. They've added some serious talent.
Steve: We'll get into that. But Sarah, to answer you directly: the expectations shift from 'are they competitive?' to 'how far can they go?'
Megan: And with Celebrini on the cover of NHL 27, the spotlight is only going to get brighter.
Steve: He's the youngest cover athlete ever. That's a big deal for the league and for this market.
Megan: Alright, next question. Marcus in Denver wants to know: 'Collin Graf just got a three-year deal worth $12.75 million. What does that mean for the forward group?'
Steve: That's a sign that Graf is part of the long-term plan. 21 goals and 25 assists in 81 games last season is a solid sophomore year.
Megan: And he's only going to get better. That contract locks him in at a very reasonable number.
Steve: It also tells you that the competition for top-six minutes is going to be fierce. You've got Celebrini, Will Smith, Tyler Toffoli, and now Graf pushing for ice time.
Megan: But that's a good problem to have, right?
Steve: Absolutely. Depth wins in this league. And the Sharks are building it.
Megan: Alright, we've got another one from @SharksFan4Life: 'Is this the most talented Sharks roster in years?'
Steve: I'd say yes, on paper. You look at the names: Celebrini, Smith, Toffoli, Graf, plus a revamped blue line with Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba.
Megan: And don't forget about the goaltending. Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic are a solid tandem.
Steve: That's the key. If the goaltending holds up, this team can surprise some people.
Megan: Good stuff. We're going to keep the mailbag rolling after a quick break. Stick with us.
Megan: Welcome back. We've got more questions, and this time we're talking about the battles for roster spots. Jen from San Jose asks: 'Who wins the third-line center job between Will Smith and Michael Misa?'
Steve: That's a great question. You've got two young, talented centers. Will Smith has the experience, while Misa is a highly touted rookie.
Megan: But wait, isn't Smith a top-six guy? He was drafted high and has been developing.
Steve: Right, but with Celebrini locked in as the number one center, and Toffoli capable of playing center, Smith might have to earn a spot lower in the lineup, or shift to the wing.
Megan: So you're saying it's not a given that Smith gets prime minutes?
Steve: Not at all. Training camp is going to be crucial. Misa is going to push him.
Megan: Alright, next question from @TealTown. 'With Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba joining the blue line, who gets bumped from the top four?'
Steve: That's a logjam, for sure. You've got Nurse, Trouba, John Klingberg, and Dmitry Orlov. That's four veteran defensemen who are used to playing big minutes.
Megan: And then you've got younger guys like Sam Dickinson and Michael Kesselring trying to break through.
Steve: Exactly. Something has to give. I think one of those veteran guys might start the season as the seventh defenseman, or maybe they move one before the deadline.
Megan: But that's a good problem to have, depth on the blue line.
Steve: It is, but it also means some tough decisions for the coaching staff. Who sits? Who plays? It's going to be a battle every night.
Megan: Let's get another question in. This one's from Chris in Arizona: 'Is the goaltending tandem of Askarov and Nedeljkovic good enough to make the playoffs?'
Steve: That's the X-factor. Askarov is a young, talented goalie with a lot of upside. Nedeljkovic is a veteran who has had some good seasons.
Megan: But it's a gamble, isn't it? You're relying on a guy who hasn't proven he can be a full-time starter yet.
Steve: It's a calculated gamble. The defense in front of them is much better than last year, so that should help. But goaltending is the difference between a team that squeaks in and a team that misses.
Megan: Well, we'll see. The season is just a few weeks away. But before we go, we have a fun hypothetical and a lightning round.
Megan: This one comes from @PuckHeadPat. 'If you could build a line around Macklin Celebrini using any two current Sharks, who do you pick?'
Steve: Oh, that's a fun one. I'm going with Tyler Toffoli on the wing, because he's a proven scorer, and Will Smith at center, because they have that chemistry from the World Juniors.
Megan: But wait, if you put Smith at center and Celebrini at center, that's two centers on the same line.
Steve: They can both play wing. They're that versatile. I think that line would be electric.
Megan: Alright, I'm going with Collin Graf and Tyler Toffoli. Graf has that tenacity, and Toffoli can finish. That's a balanced line.
Steve: Can't argue with that. Now let's do a lightning round. I'll give you a quick take, you give me your reaction.
Megan: Let's do it.
Steve: Ryan Reaves brings the physicality that every team needs in the playoffs.
Megan: Agreed, but he needs to stay out of the box.
Steve: Alexander Wennberg is the most underrated signing of the summer.
Megan: I'll buy that. He's a solid two-way center.
Steve: The Sharks will make the playoffs this year.
Megan: Bold. I'm not ready to go that far, but I like the optimism.
Steve: Alright, that's all the time we have for questions. Great mailbag today.
Megan: That's a wrap. Remember, we're talking all things Sharks every day. Subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your fellow teal-blooded fans.
Steve: And follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content.
Megan: Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice. Go Sharks!