Megan: Macklin Celebrini is on the cover of NHL 27, and the hockey world is losing it. But that's not even the biggest headline in the Pacific Division right now.
Steve: Yeah, we've got division rivals making moves, and the Sharks are sitting fifth. Today we break down what's happening around them and what it means for their playoff push.
Megan: Welcome back to Beatline, Sharks fam! I'm Megan, joined by the sharpest mind in the game, Steve. It's Monday, August 24th, and we're going around the league.
Steve: Three things today: first, the news from our Pacific rivals. Then, how the Sharks stack up. And finally, what these outside results mean for San Jose's path.
Megan: Stick with us, because we've got a hot take on the goaltending situation that might surprise you.
Megan: Alright Steve, let's jump in. The Sharks are fifth in the Pacific, but the division is a war zone. What's the biggest headline from our rivals?
Steve: Well, you can't ignore the elephant in the room: the Oilers. They've been quiet this summer, but they still have that core. And the Canucks are always dangerous.
Megan: But here's the thing — we're seeing some surprising moves. Did you catch that the Kings just signed a big free agent? That could shake things up.
Steve: Exactly. And the Golden Knights are always wheeling and dealing. But let's not forget the Ducks — they're young and hungry, and they're not going to roll over.
Megan: So the Pacific is stacked. But what about the whole league? We've got some crazy headlines — like the rookie roundtable with Gavin McKenna. That kid's got some personality.
Steve: He's going to be a star. But for the Sharks, the most important news is internal. Macklin Celebrini just signed that massive extension — $94 million over five years.
Megan: That's an $18.8 million cap hit, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL. Can you believe it?
Steve: And he's only 20. But here's the kicker — he said he'd consider a discount to help the team. That's a leader.
Megan: And now he's on the cover of NHL 27, the youngest cover athlete ever. That's huge for the franchise.
Steve: It's a statement. The Sharks are building something special, and the league is taking notice.
Megan: So Steve, how do the Sharks stack up against these division rivals? We're fifth in the Pacific — that's not where we want to be.
Steve: Right, but remember, last season we were in the basement. Now we're on the cusp. The offense is legit — Celebrini, Will Smith, and now Collin Graf locked up on a three-year deal.
Megan: Graf had 21 goals and 25 assists last year. That's a solid second-line winger. And with Tyler Toffoli, that's some depth.
Steve: But the question is goaltending. We've got Askarov, Nedeljkovic, and Comrie fighting for the crease. It's a competition, and I'm not sure anyone has seized it.
Megan: We talked about that on Friday. But what about the defense? We've got a logjam — Trouba, Nurse, Orlov, Klingberg. That's a lot of veterans.
Steve: And a lot of cap space tied up. But here's my take: one of those guys is getting traded before the deadline. We said that last week, and I'm sticking to it.
Megan: So you're saying the Sharks are better than fifth? Because the division is tough.
Steve: I think they're a playoff team. I predicted 98 points and a postseason berth, and I'm not backing down. The offense will carry them, and the defense will be steady enough.
Megan: Bold. But the goaltending is a concern. If that doesn't get sorted, we could be in trouble.
Steve: Exactly. But I think Askarov takes a leap. He's the future, and he's got the tools.
Megan: We'll see. Now let's look at the rest of the league. There's a story about Steve Yzerman 'failing up' — that's a spicy take.
Steve: That's from the bold predictions grading. It's interesting, but for the Sharks, the biggest outside factor is the schedule. We open against Florida on October 2nd.
Megan: That's a tough opener. The Panthers are perennial contenders. How does that set the tone for the season?
Steve: It's a statement game. If the Sharks want to prove they're for real, beating Florida at home would send a message to the whole league.
Megan: And with Celebrini on the cover, the spotlight is going to be on this team. No more hiding.
Steve: Exactly. But here's the thing — the division is so tight that every game matters. We can't afford slow starts.
Megan: So what do you think? Are the Sharks ready to make some noise?
Steve: I think so. The pieces are there. They just need to gel, and they need the goaltending to be average at worst.
Megan: And if they do, they could surprise some people. I'm excited to see it.
Steve: Me too. And don't forget, we've got a prediction to cash in — playoffs. I'm sticking with it.
Megan: That's our show today. Quick recap: we looked at our division rivals, broke down how we stack up, and talked about the road ahead.
Steve: Remember, the season starts October 2nd against Florida. It's going to be a battle.
Megan: If you enjoyed this, please subscribe, rate, and review Beatline. Share it with your fellow Sharks fans.
Steve: And as always, let's go Sharks!