Megan: Steve, I just saw the news that Macklin Celebrini is going to be on the cover of NHL 27, and I can't stop thinking about how this kid is already the face of the franchise at 20 years old.
Steve: And with that new contract, he's not just the face—he's the highest-paid player in the NHL. That's a massive deal for the Sharks and for the entire league.
Megan: This is Beatline, and I'm Megan, joined by Steve. Today we're doing a mailbag episode, answering your questions about the Sharks' offseason, the roster battles, and what this team can do in 2026-27.
Steve: We've got three segments: first, your questions on the big storylines, then we dig into the depth chart battles, and we'll wrap with a fun hypothetical and a lightning round.
Megan: Let's get to it. First question comes from Sarah in Rochester: 'With Celebrini's extension, how do the Sharks build around him without breaking the bank?'
Steve: Great question. The cap hit is $18.8 million, which is huge, but the Sharks have done a good job locking up guys like Collin Graf on a team-friendly deal—$12.75 million over three years is solid value.
Megan: And let's not forget, Celebrini said he'd consider a discount to help the team. He's already showing he's a team guy.
Steve: Exactly. That's the kind of leadership you want. The key is drafting well and finding undervalued players, which they've done with Graf and some of the young guys coming up.
Megan: Next up, @SharksFan4Life asks: 'Do you think Celebrini's cover appearance adds pressure for him to perform?'
Steve: I think it's more hype than pressure. He's already expected to be a superstar. The cover is just recognition of that.
Megan: And he's handled everything with such maturity. Remember, he's only 20, but he's been in the spotlight for a while now.
Steve: Right. And with the contract, the pressure is on to deliver, but I think he thrives on that.
Megan: Let's take another question from Marcus in Denver: 'With the Sharks sitting in 5th in the Pacific, what's the biggest concern for this team?'
Steve: I'd say goaltending. We have Askarov, Comrie, Nedeljkovic, and Keyser, but no clear number one yet. That's a concern.
Megan: We talked about that on a previous episode. The offense is there, but if the goaltending doesn't hold up, it could be a long season.
Steve: Exactly. That's the difference between a playoff team and a lottery team.
Megan: Stick with us, because we're about to dive into the roster battles coming up next.
Megan: Welcome back. Now we're tackling the depth chart. Lisa from San Jose asks: 'Who wins the second-line center spot between Will Smith and Michael Misa?'
Steve: That's a great battle. Smith has more experience, but Misa is a top prospect. I think Smith gets the nod to start, but Misa will push him.
Megan: And what about the wing? We've got a ton of options—Graf, Toffoli, Marchment, Sherwood...
Steve: Right, but Graf earned his spot with 46 points last season. He's a lock on the top line, I think.
Megan: Next question from @TealTownTom: 'With so many defensemen, who gets traded before the deadline?'
Steve: I mentioned this before—I think a veteran defenseman gets moved. Trouba or Orlov could be candidates to free up cap space and give younger guys a chance.
Megan: We predicted that earlier this week. It just makes sense with the logjam on the blue line.
Steve: Absolutely. And don't forget Klingberg and Nurse—there's a lot of experience there, but you need to make room for Dickinson and Allan.
Megan: Great point. What about the backup goalie battle? Alex from Vancouver asks: 'Who backs up Askarov?'
Steve: I'd say Nedeljkovic has the edge because of his experience, but Comrie will push him. Keyser is a long shot.
Megan: It's a nice problem to have—too many goalies, not enough nets.
Steve: Exactly. Competition is good.
Megan: Alright, we'll get to the fun stuff after the break.
Megan: Welcome back. Time for a fun hypothetical. @PuckHeadPat asks: 'If you could build a line around Celebrini with any current Sharks, who do you pick?'
Steve: I'm putting Celebrini with Graf and Toffoli. Graf has the hockey IQ to keep up, and Toffoli brings the veteran finish.
Megan: That's a dangerous line. Graf had 21 goals last year, and Toffoli is a proven scorer.
Steve: And they'd complement Celebrini's playmaking perfectly.
Megan: Now lightning round. Quick takes from the fans.
Steve: First, @SharksFan4Life: 'Over/under 98 points this season?' I'm saying over. We predicted 98 and I'm sticking with it.
Megan: I'll take the over too. This team is too talented not to hit that mark.
Steve: Next, @TealTownTom: 'Will Celebrini win the Art Ross?' That's a tough one, but he's in the conversation. I'll say top five.
Megan: And finally, @PuckHeadPat: 'Who's the breakout player this year?' I'm going with Will Smith. He's going to take a big step.
Steve: I'll go with Sam Dickinson on defense. He's ready for a bigger role.
Megan: That's all the time we have. Thanks for sending in your questions! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with your fellow Sharks fans.
Steve: And as always, go Sharks! We'll see you next time.
Megan: Go Sharks!