Megan: The Sharks are back, and this time, the payroll is screaming louder than the crowd. We’ve got Macklin Celebrini on a record-breaking ninety-four million dollar deal, Collin Graf locked in for three years, and a defense corps that looks like it belongs in an NBA locker room.
Steve: That’s right. It’s a mailbag episode, but the questions are heavy. Are we looking at a playoff team or a cap nightmare? With eleven centers and eight defensemen, someone is getting hurt feelings. Let’s dive in.
Megan: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of daily hockey analysis. I’m Megan, and I’m joined by Steve. If you’re new here, we break down every shift, every contract, and every trade rumor so you don’t have to guess. Today, we’re answering your emails about the Sharks’ massive offseason moves.
Steve: We’re going to tackle the Celebrini extension first, then look at where Collin Graf fits in the lineup, and finally, we’ll try to solve the impossible math of fitting all these defensemen onto one blue line before October second against Florida.
Megan: Let’s get straight to it. First question comes from @SJS_Fan_88 who asks: 'Macklin Celebrini just signed for eighteen point eight million per year, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL. Is this a smart investment for a team sitting fifth in the Pacific?'
Steve: It’s bold. But let’s look at the context. He’s twenty years old. He’s the face of the franchise. And remember, he said he would consider taking less to help the team. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about securing the core while they are still affordable relative to their peak production.
Megan: He’s also going to be on the cover of EA Sports' NHL 27. That’s huge marketing value. But Steve, doesn’t that cap hit make it harder to surround him with stars?
Steve: Exactly. That’s why the rest of the roster construction has to be efficient. You can’t have nine players making ten million dollars around an eighteen million dollar center. You need role players who buy in. That brings us to our next fan question.
Megan: Sarah from San Jose writes in: 'Collin Graf just re-signed for twelve point seven five million over three years. He had twenty-one goals and twenty-five assists last season. Where does he play? Do we have too many centers?'
Steve: Oh, Sarah, you hit the nail on the head. We talked about this yesterday. Eleven centers. Alex Barre-Boulet, Will Smith, Ty Dellandrea, Barclay Goodrow, Philipp Kurashev, Michael Misa, Zack Ostapchuk, Tyler Toffoli, Alexander Wennberg, plus Celebrini and Graf. It’s crowded.
Megan: And that’s before we even mention the forwards on the wing. Mason Marchment, Pavol Regenda, Kiefer Sherwood, Ethan Cardwell, Adam Gaudette, Ryan Reaves. It’s a lot of bodies. So, Steve, what’s the realistic top six forward group?
Steve: I see Celebrini on the top line. Graf is your second-line center, given his goal-scoring touch. Then you have to decide between Will Smith’s speed and Toffoli’s experience. It’s a coaching decision that will define the first month of the season.
Megan: Okay, we have a support appeal coming up right after this segment, so stick with us. But first, let’s talk defense. Marcus in Oakland asks: 'You mentioned John Klingberg and Darnell Nurse earlier. With eight defensemen including Nick Leddy, Dmitry Orlov, Jacob Trouba, and Nolan Allan, how do you fit them all?'
Steve: You don’t. Not all at once. This is the big story. We predicted a veteran defenseman would be traded before the deadline. Right now, it looks like Klingberg or maybe Orlov could move. You need two top-four pairs and two depth pairs. That’s six guys. Two are surplus.
Megan: Sam Dickinson and Michael Kesselring are younger. They might be the ones left out if the veterans demand trades. It’s a tough spot for young players wanting ice time. But hey, if you’re listening and found value in today’s breakdown, please consider supporting the show. It helps keep us free and daily. Check the link in the episode description. Thanks for helping us keep the puck moving. Now, let’s get into Segment Two.
Megan: Welcome back to Segment One. We’re diving deeper into the goalie situation. @HockeyDad_SJC asks: 'Yaroslav Askarov and Eric Comrie are both netminders. Who starts opening night against Florida?'
Steve: This is tricky. Askarov has the upside, but Comrie has the NHL experience. Kyle Keyser and Alex Nedeljkovic are also on the roster, though likely as backups or call-ups. For a preseason game or opening night, teams often go with the veteran for stability.
Megan: But Askarov is the future. Does starting Comrie hurt his development? We know the Sharks want to build through youth, especially with Celebrini leading the charge.
Steve: True. But goaltending is volatile. If Askarov struggles early, Comrie is there. It’s a tandem until proven otherwise. I think Comrie gets the nod for the first few games against Florida because you want to minimize risk when your star forward is costing you ninety-four million.
Megan: That makes sense. Risk management. Another question from Lisa in Santa Clara: 'Will Smith was a high pick. With all these centers, does he get buried in the minors?'
Steve: Will Smith is talented. He needs ice time. If he doesn’t crack the top nine, he goes to the AHL. It’s a simple fact of roster limits. You can’t carry eleven centers in the NHL. Someone has to play elsewhere.
Megan: So, is it possible the Sharks trade for another winger to clear space? Or do they just ride the chaos?
Steve: They might trade a center. Barclay Goodrow or Alexander Wennberg could be moved for a cheaper option or a prospect. It’s messy, but necessary. The front office has to make hard calls before October second.
Megan: Great point. One more from @SharksFan99: 'What’s the biggest weakness on this team?'
Steve: Cohesion. Too many new faces, too many contracts. The forecheck won’t work if lines aren’t gelled. You need practice reps. Preseason is critical here.
Megan: Agreed. Without chemistry, even the best talent struggles. Let’s move to Segment Two.
Megan: Segment Two: Roster Battles. Tom from Palo Alto asks: 'How does Collin Graf impact the power play?'
Steve: Graf scored twenty-one goals last year. That means he’s a shooter. On the power play, you want his shot from the circle. He complements Celebrini perfectly—one creates, the other finishes.
Megan: So Graf is likely a top-unit PP guy? What about penalty kill? Does he bring defensive responsibility?
Steve: Not his strength. He’s an offensive asset. You’d use him on the PP, not the PK. You want Barclay Goodrow on the penalty kill for his grit.
Megan: Makes sense. Next question from @JadeCityHockey: 'Is Darnell Nurse overmatched with this roster?'
Steve: Nurse is a powerhouse. He handles minutes. But if he’s paired with a defensive liability, it shows. He needs a partner who clears the zone well. John Klingberg can skate, but he’s older. It’s a matchup puzzle.
Megan: Do you think Nurse will be frustrated if he’s stuck on the fourth pair?
Steve: Unlikely. He’s a leader. But if he’s underutilized, he could request a trade. The Sharks need to use him effectively to justify his presence.
Megan: Another one from Kevin in Fremont: 'What’s the outlook for Yaroslav Askarov?'
Steve: He’s raw but exciting. If he wins the job, he needs to improve his rebound control. Comrie is safer, but Askarov has higher upside. It’s a gamble.
Megan: Gambles are common in this rebuild. Let’s wrap up Segment Two.
Megan: Segment Three: Hypotheticals and Lightning Round. Quick question: If you could only keep one defenseman for the next decade, who is it?
Steve: Darnell Nurse. His size and physicality are unique. You can find scoring later, but you can’t find that frame.
Megan: Bold choice. Okay, lightning round. Who is the most underrated Shark?'
Steve: Michael Kesselring. He’s steady, reliable, and doesn’t make mistakes. Underrated defenders are gold.
Megan: Good answer. Next: Which forward has the most potential?'
Steve: Will Smith. His speed and vision are elite. If he stays healthy, he’s a star.
Megan: Final one: What’s the Sharks’ ceiling this season?'
Steve: Playoffs. If Celebrini carries the load and the defense stabilizes, they can compete. But it’s tight.
Megan: That’s it for today! We covered Celebrini’s record deal, Graf’s role, and the defense dilemma. Thanks for listening. Subscribe, rate, and review. See you tomorrow!