Megan: Macklin Celebrini is the highest-paid player in hockey history. Ninety-four million dollars. Five years. That isn't just a contract; that is a statement of intent from San Jose. But does that money buy them a playoff spot this year? We are diving deep into your questions today.
Steve: It’s a massive investment in one young center, but when you look at the rest of the roster—the veteran defensemen, the crowded forward lines—it raises some tactical questions about cap management and line matching.
Megan: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Megan, and this is your daily Sharks show. Steve is here with me. We’ve got three big things for you today: first, we’re answering your questions on whether Macklin Celebrini’s new deal changes the Pacific Division race. Second, we’re breaking down the forward depth chart now that Collin Graf has re-signed. And third, we’re tackling the elephant in the room: the blueline logjam.
Steve: Right. And as we mentioned yesterday, we still have our prediction standing: 98 points and a playoff berth. But looking at the roster construction, specifically with guys like John Klingberg and Jacob Trouba on the back end, there are nuances we need to unpack before the season tips off on October 2nd against Florida.
Megan: Let’s get right into it. The inbox is overflowing. First up, we have a question from Sarah in San Jose. She asks: 'With Macklin Celebrini making $18.8 million per year, how does that affect the Sharks' ability to keep key pieces like Collin Graf or Will Smith long-term?' Great question, Sarah.
Steve: Well, Sarah, this is the core tension of the modern NHL. Celebrini is worth every penny because he is an elite two-way center. He controls the neutral zone, he drives play, and he scores. But yes, having him on the books at that number creates a ceiling. It doesn’t mean they can’t keep Graf, who just signed for $4.25 million a year over three years. That’s actually very manageable. But it means they can’t be sloppy elsewhere.
Megan: So it’s not about cutting everyone else. It’s about finding value. Like Graf, who had 21 goals and 25 assists last season. That’s production. If they can find more Graf-types—players who provide secondary scoring without eating up massive cap space—they stay competitive.
Steve: Exactly. And look at the forwards list. You have Tyler Toffoli, you have Barclay Goodrow, you have Philipp Kurashev. There is talent there. The issue isn’t lack of skill; it’s fitting everyone into the salary cap while paying Celebrini top dollar. They also have Will Smith, who is emerging. If Smith breaks out, that’s another high-end asset they need to manage carefully.
Megan: Next question comes from @SharksFan88 in Los Angeles. He writes: 'The Sharks are 5th in the Pacific. With Macklin Celebrini on the EA Sports NHL 27 cover, is the hype real, or are we just riding the star power? How do you grade the preseason bold predictions for the Sharks?' Okay, @SharksFan88, let’s talk hype versus reality.
Steve: Hype is fine if it’s backed by tactics. Celebrini being on the cover of NHL 27 at age 20 is huge visibility. But in the Pacific, you have Colorado, Dallas, Vegas. Being fifth right now is where we expected to be. The key is whether Celebrini can elevate the players around him. When he’s on the ice, the forecheck gets tighter. The neutral-zone play improves. That’s not just hype; that’s hockey.
Megan: And remember, Steve, we predicted 98 points. That requires consistency. Can the Sharks maintain that level of play over 82 games? Or does the fatigue set in when the other teams are chasing playoff spots?
Steve: It depends on goaltending. We have Yaroslav Askarov, Eric Comrie, Kyle Keyser, and Alex Nedeljkovic. That’s four goalies. Who starts? If Askarov establishes himself as the number one, that gives them stability. If they bounce between Comrie and Nedeljkovic, the losses pile up. It’s a critical variable for those 98 points.
Megan: One more from Dave in Anaheim. 'Will Smith is listed as a center. Do you see him playing alongside Celebrini, or is he better suited for the second line? And what about Ty Dellandrea? Where does he fit?' This is about line combinations, Dave.
Steve: Will Smith has incredible vision. Putting him directly next to Celebrini might clog the middle. I think Smith is best utilized on the second line, maybe with Toffoli or Kurashev, to create separate threats. Ty Dellandrea provides grit and defensive reliability. He’s perfect for the third line, shutting down opposing centers. It’s about balancing speed with structure.
Megan: So, Celebrini on the top line, Smith on the second, Dellandrea anchoring the third. That sounds like a solid structure. Let’s move on. Next segment: Roster Battles. We have a question from Marcus in Seattle. 'The Sharks have a ton of centers. Alex Barre-Boulet, Michael Misa, Zack Ostapchuk, Alexander Wennberg... who is going to make the opening night roster? Who is getting cut?'
Steve: Marcus, this is the hardest part of the job. You have Wennberg, who brings experience. You have Barre-Boulet, who brings size and scoring. Then you have the younger guys like Misa and Ostapchuk. The coaching staff will likely go with five centers. Celebrini, Smith, Toffoli (who can slide), Dellandrea, and then one more. I’d bet on Wennberg or Barre-Boulet based on their NHL track record.
Megan: That’s tough news for the fans hoping for Misa or Ostapchuk to jump straight in. It makes sense though. In the NHL, experience matters, especially in tight games. But don’t count these kids out. They’ll be in training camp fighting for every shift.
Steve: Right. And look at the left wing side. Mason Marchment, Pavol Regenda, Kiefer Sherwood. That’s a physical group. Sherwood brings edge. Marchment brings size. Regenda brings skill. It’s a balanced attack. But again, only so many spots. The competition will be fierce.
Megan: Next question from @IceHockeyJunkie in Boston. 'What about the defense? You have Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba, Nick Leddy, Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg... and then Nolan Allan and Sam Dickinson. Is this too many veterans? Are you trading someone before the deadline like we talked about yesterday?'
Steve: @IceHockeyJunkie, you nailed it. This is the biggest question mark. We predicted a veteran defenseman would be traded. It’s almost a certainty now. Having Nurse, Trouba, Leddy, Orlov, AND Klingberg is unsustainable. You need mobility. You need young legs like Allan and Dickinson to develop. Someone has to go. My guess? Klingberg or Leddy moves. Their contracts are long, and they might not fit the long-term vision as well as the others.
Megan: That would free up cap space too, which helps with all those forwards we just discussed. It’s a classic front-office dilemma. Keep the veterans for stability now, or trade them for assets and rebuild for the future? Given Celebrini is here, they want to win now.
Steve: Win now, but smartly. If they trade a veteran, they need to replace that minutes with something efficient. Maybe promoting Dickinson earlier than expected. Or signing a cheap minimum-salary veteran who can play physical defense. But the current roster is bloated. It needs trimming.
Megan: Final question for this segment from Lisa in Chicago. 'Collin Graf re-signed for three years. Is he a lock for the fourth line? Or can he push for a top-six role? He had 46 points last year.' Lisa, let’s give Graf some love.
Steve: Graf is a grinder with hands. 46 points is great for a fourth-liner. But with the depth we have, he might start on the third line. If he plays with Smith or Toffoli, he could produce even more. He’s versatile. He can play left, right, or center. That versatility makes him valuable. He’s not just a fourth-liner; he’s a glue guy who can step up anywhere.
Megan: So Graf is the ultimate utility forward. Love it. Alright, folks, we’re heading to a break. Stick with us. We’ve got a lightning round coming up, including a fun hypothetical about Celebrini’s contract and a quick-fire Q&A on the goalies. Don’t go anywhere.
Megan: Welcome back. Let’s do a quick hypothetical. If Macklin Celebrini had taken a discount to help the Sharks sign MORE stars, who would you want them to add? A top defenseman? A scoring winger? Go!
Steve: I’d want a scoring winger. Someone who can finish chances. Celebrini creates opportunities, but you need a sniper next to him. Maybe a guy like Brett Leason, if he develops, or bringing in a proven scorer via trade. The Sharks have the playmakers; they need the finishers.
Megan: Good call. Now, lightning round. Quick takes. First goalie: Yaroslav Askarov or Eric Comrie? Who starts Game 1?
Steve: Askarov. He’s young, hungry, and has the upside. Comrie is reliable, but Askarov is the future. Give him the nod.
Megan: Agreed. Next: Best rookie to watch besides Celebrini? Will Smith or Dylan Guenther? Wait, no Guenther. Will Smith or someone else?
Steve: Will Smith. His hockey IQ is off the charts. He sees the ice differently. He’s going to be a stud.
Megan: Last one: Who wins the Pacific Division? Sharks or Colorado?
Steve: Colorado. They’re always tough. But the Sharks will be right there. Close race.
Megan: There you have it! Macklin Celebrini’s historic contract, Collin Graf’s return, and the big decisions on the blueline. We’re sticking with our 98-point prediction. The Sharks are poised for a strong season.
Steve: Just remember, it all comes down to execution. The forecheck, the penalty kill, the special teams. If they execute, they’re dangerous.
Megan: Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share this episode with a fellow Shark fan. Until next time, Go Sharks!