Megan: You are listening to the Beatline Podcast Network, America’s number one daily sports podcast network. And today, we are diving headfirst into the San Jose Sharks' mailbag.
Steve: Welcome back, Shark fans. It is September 7th, 2026. The preseason is wrapping up, the roster is set, and the questions from you guys are heavier than a Darnell Nurse slap shot.
Megan: That’s right. We’ve got three massive topics today. First, we’re breaking down Macklin Celebrini’s historic five-year, $94 million extension and what it means for the cap space.
Steve: Second, we’re looking at Collin Graf’s re-signing and whether his twenty-one goals last season justify that twelve-point-seven-five million dollar deal over three years.
Megan: And third, we’re tackling the elephant in the room: the sheer volume of centers on this roster. Eleven of them. How do we fit Will Smith, Alex Barre-Boulet, and Barclay Goodrow into the lineup?
Steve: It’s going to be a crowded locker room, Megan. But let’s get to your emails. Who wants to start us off?
Megan: Let’s start with @SharkBait_SJ. He asks: 'Macklin Celebrini is now the highest-paid player in the NHL at eighteen point eight million per year. Does this contract lock him in as the face of the franchise forever, or is there pressure if he doesn't win a Cup immediately?'
Steve: Well, first off, the pressure is real. At twenty years old, being the cover athlete for EA Sports’ NHL 27 is a huge honor, but it comes with expectations. This contract isn’t just about talent; it’s about anchoring the rebuild.
Megan: Right. And remember, Steve, earlier reports said Celebrini would '100% consider taking less than market value to help the team.' So why the big money now?
Steve: Because the Sharks didn’t want to lose him, and the league recognized his value. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a two-way center who can drive play. If he stays healthy and produces at an eighty-point pace, this looks like a steal in five years. But if he regresses? It’s a burden.
Megan: Fair point. Next up, we have Sarah from San Francisco asking: 'With Collin Graf re-signed to three years and twelve point seven five million, where does he fit? Is he competing for a top-six spot?'
Steve: Graf had twenty-one goals and twenty-five assists in eighty-one games last season. That’s solid secondary scoring. I see him slotting in on the second line, maybe alongside Tyler Toffoli. He provides net-front presence and physicality, which balances out the skill players.
Megan: So, Graf is a reliable bottom-six to middle-six guy, not necessarily a top-line engine. Got it. Now, Marcus in Oakland has a question about the upcoming opener against Florida on October 2nd. 'Who starts in goal? Eric Comrie or Yaroslav Askarov?'
Steve: This is tricky. Askarov is the younger prospect with high upside, but Comrie has NHL experience. Given our prediction from yesterday that Comrie might start the first few games, I’m sticking with that. He brings stability against a tough Panthers team.
Megan: Stability over volatility. Makes sense for the season opener. Let’s move on to some deeper roster concerns.
Megan: We have @HockeyDad_88 asking: 'The Sharks have eleven centers. That’s insane. Who gets cut or sent down to the AHL? Will Smith is highly touted, so is he safe?'
Steve: Eleven centers is a logistical nightmare. You have Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Alex Barre-Boulet, Ty Dellandrea, Philipp Kurashev, Barclay Goodrow, Alexander Wennberg, Andre Gasseau, Zack Ostapchuk, Michael Misa... and that’s not even counting forwards who can play center.
Megan: My gut says Will Smith stays. His ceiling is too high to send down, especially with the coaching staff wanting to develop young talent early. But who else goes?
Steve: I think Michael Misa or Zack Ostapchuk are most likely to start in the AHL. They’re depth pieces. Barclay Goodrow and Alexander Wennberg provide veteran leadership and penalty kill expertise, so they stay in the lineup. It’s going to be a rotation game.
Megan: Okay, so Goodrow and Wennberg are anchors. What about the defense? We predicted John Klingberg might be traded before the deadline. Do you still believe that?
Steve: Absolutely. With eight defensemen including Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Dmitry Orlov, Nolan Allan, Sam Dickinson, and Michael Kesselring, the cap hit is enormous. Klingberg’s contract is aging, and if he’s not starting by mid-season, he becomes trade bait to clear space.
Megan: So, Nurse and Trouba are the shutdown pair, Leddy and Orlov are the defensive movers, and Klingberg is on the block. That makes sense for cap flexibility.
Steve: Exactly. The Sharks need to shed salary to keep building around Celebrini. If Klingberg doesn’t produce in training camp, expect rumors flying by November.
Megan: Alright, fans, before we dive into our fun segment, we need a quick favor. We work hard every day to bring you sharp analysis and honest takes on teams like the Sharks. If you’ve enjoyed these episodes, please consider supporting us directly. Your contributions keep this show free and daily. Just click the link in the episode description to help us out. Thanks for listening!
Megan: Welcome back. Let’s lighten the mood. Liam from San Jose asks: 'If you could only keep three players from the current roster for a survival reality show, who are they?'
Steve: I’m taking Macklin Celebrini for his leadership, Ryan Reaves for... well, intimidation, and Darnell Nurse because he can carry everything physically.
Megan: I’ll take Celebrini, obviously. Then maybe Collin Graf for his grit, and Eric Comrie because he’s good at keeping morale up.
Steve: Comrie? Really? Okay, fine. But I’m keeping my eye on Gavin McKenna. As a rookie, he’s got that fresh energy. Maybe he joins us later.
Megan: Lightning round! Who is the most underrated player on the Sharks roster?
Steve: Barclay Goodrow. He does the dirty work that doesn’t show up in box scores.
Megan: Who will score the most goals this season?
Steve: Tyler Toffoli. He’s consistent and benefits from playing with young talent.
Megan: Will the Sharks make the playoffs?
Steve: Yes. As a wild card. We’ve said it before, and we mean it.
Megan: There you have it. From Celebrini’s record-breaking deal to Graf’s return, and the center ice shuffle, we’ve covered it all.
Steve: Big season ahead. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this with a fellow Shark fan.
Megan: Go Sharks! See you tomorrow.