Megan: If Macklin Celebrini is the highest-paid player in the NHL at eighteen point eight million a year, does that pressure make him better or break him? We’re diving into the numbers, the roster chaos, and your questions right now on the Beatline Podcast Network.
Steve: It’s a bold move by management, Megan. And with eleven centers on the roster heading into camp, the tactical implications are massive. I’m ready to break down the lines.
Megan: Welcome back, Shark Tank faithful! I’m Megan, alongside Steve. Today is our mailbag episode, which means you asked the tough questions about this unprecedented roster congestion, and we have the answers. We’ve got three segments: first, we tackle the big picture around Macklin Celebrini’s new mega-deal; second, we dig into the depth chart battles for those eleven centers; and finally, we do a lightning round of hypotheticals before our season opener against Anaheim on September 20th.
Steve: That’s right. If you haven’t listened to yesterday’s episode where we debated whether Eric Comrie or Yaroslav Askarov starts, you’re missing some context, but don’t worry, we’ll touch on the goaltending debate again today. Let’s get into it.
Megan: Alright, let’s start with the headline that shook the league. Our first question comes from @SharkBaitSF, who asks: 'Macklin Celebrini just signed a five-year, ninety-four million dollar extension. He is now the highest-paid player in the NHL. Does this financial burden distract from his development, or is it a reward he deserves?' Steve, walk us through the psychology of that number.
Steve: It’s a fascinating angle. Financially, yes, it’s a huge commitment. But tactically, it signals that the Sharks believe he is their franchise cornerstone for the next half-decade. In my view, young superstars like Celebrini thrive under structure. The money doesn’t distract if the coaching staff keeps him focused on the details: zone entries, face-off wins, and defensive positioning. It’s about buying into the system, not the contract.
Megan: I agree. He’s only eighteen. You don’t pay an eighteen-year-old eighteen point eight million a year because he’s already finished; you pay him because you think he’s going to be the best player on the ice for a decade. Next question here is from Sarah in San Jose. She wants to know: 'With Collin Graf re-signed on a three-year deal worth twelve point seven five million after posting twenty-one goals and twenty-five assists last season, where does he fit in the lineup given we have eleven centers?'
Steve: Graf is a tricky piece. He played right wing last year, scoring twenty-six points in eighty-one games. With the influx of centers like Filip Bystedt, Will Smith, and even Alex Barre-Boulet shifting around, Graf likely stays on the right wing. His size and physicality complement the speed of Celebrini. He’s not a center anymore; he’s a power-forward winger who can kill penalties and drive play along the boards.
Megan: Exactly. So Graf is locked in as a winger. But what about the centers? Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg are veterans. Are they playing center or wing? Another email from Marcus in Dallas asks: 'The Sharks have eleven centers. That’s insane. How many of these guys actually make the NHL roster out of training camp?'
Steve: Eleven centers is a logistical nightmare. As we predicted in previous episodes, four or five of them will likely start the year in the AHL affiliate. You can’t carry all of them. You need depth, yes, but you also need cap flexibility. I expect names like Michael Misa, Zack Ostapchuk, or maybe even Barclay Goodrow to see significant time in the minors to gain experience, unless someone gets injured early.
Megan: Ouch. Barclay Goodrow to the AHL? That stings for the fanbase. He’s a proven playoff performer. But Steve, you’re talking about roster construction. Let’s pivot to another burning question from @HockeyFan99: 'Why did the Sharks sign Darnell Nurse and Dmitry Orlov? Is this a desperation move to fix a leaky defense, or are they building a top-four pair right away?'
Steve: It’s definitely a stabilization move. The Sharks have been volatile defensively. Adding Nurse and Orlov brings veteran leadership and puck-moving ability. They aren’t just filling holes; they are trying to create a reliable top-four immediately. Jacob Trouba is still there, so you have a lot of heavy hitters. The key will be neutral-zone play. Can Orlov and Nurse transition the puck up ice quickly enough to support Celebrini and Graf?
Megan: That transition game is critical. If they get stuck in their own zone, the forecheck against teams like Anaheim will be brutal. Alright, we’re moving to Segment Two. We’ve got more questions coming in about the specific matchups. First up, from Jessica in Los Angeles: 'Who is starting in goal? Eric Comrie has experience, but Yaroslav Askarov is the rookie sensation. Which one gets the nod for the opener against Anaheim?'
Steve: This is the debate of the offseason. Look, Askarov has the upside, but Comrie has been in the trenches. Remember our prediction from Thursday? We said Comrie would start the first few games. I stand by that. You don’t throw a rookie goalie into the fire against a division rival on opening night unless you have no choice. Comrie provides stability. Askarov might be the guy later in the year, but for September 20th, it’s Comrie.
Megan: I’m with Steve on the stability front. Opening night is too high-stakes for a rookie experiment. But what about the backup? If Comrie starts, is Kyle Keyser the clear backup, or does Ilya Samsonov steal the job? From @NHLInsiderNY, we have: 'The Sharks have five goalies listed. Who is actually third string? Is Alex Nedeljkovic just hanging around for insurance?'
Steve: Five goalies is excessive. It screams uncertainty. Nedeljkovic is likely the long-term insurance policy if Comrie struggles. Samsonov and Keyser are competing for the second spot. My guess? Keyser gets the nod initially because he’s younger and cheaper, but if he falters, Samsonov’s experience could pull him back in. It’s a crowded crease situation, Megan. Very crowded.
Megan: Crowded indeed. Let’s talk power play. With Celebrini on the blue line? No, wait, he’s a center. But with Graf and Toffoli on the wings, who takes the point? A question from Brian in Seattle: 'Does the Sharks’ power play look different with this new group? Who are the primary drivers?'
Steve: Expect Darnell Nurse to be heavily involved on the point. He’s a left-shot defenseman with a heavy slap shot. Pair him with Celebrini in the slot, and you have a dangerous combo. Toffoli and Graf provide the net-front presence and rebound generation. The power play needs to be aggressive early. If they sit back, they lose their edge. They have to crash the net.
Megan: Aggressive crashing. Love that image. Okay, we’re approaching the middle of the show. Before we get to our fun hypothetical segment, I want to take a quick moment to ask for your support. This show is free, daily, and made by fans for fans. If today’s breakdown helped you feel more prepared for the season, consider chipping in to keep the lights on and the analysis sharp. Just use the link in the episode description. Every bit helps us keep bringing you this coverage. Thanks, everyone. Now, let’s get to Segment Three.
Steve: Thanks for listening, supporters. Segment Three: Fun Hypotheticals and Lightning Round. First question from @SharkToothLA: 'If you had to trade one of your eleven centers to improve your team immediately, who goes? And who stays?'
Megan: Oh, this is painful. I’d hate to send any of them away, but if I had to cut one... I’m looking at Ty Dellandrea. He’s solid, but with Celebrini, Bystedt, and Smith, there’s redundancy. Dellandrea might offer the most value on the trade market without hurting the core too much. What do you think, Steve?
Steve: I disagree. Dellandrea is a safe pair of hands. I’d move Barclay Goodrow. Not because he’s bad—he’s great—but because he’s older, and his contract might be easier to attach in a trade package than a young prospect’s rights. Plus, if Goodrow is truly the best two-way center, he’s playing. If he’s not, he’s trade bait. I’d ship Goodrow to a team needing veteran leadership and bring back a young defenseman or prospect.
Megan: Goodrow to the trade block? Bold. I like it. Alright, lightning round. Quick hits. Question from Sarah in San Jose: 'What is the one thing the Sharks must fix in their penalty kill to make the playoffs?'
Steve: Neutral-zone gap control. They’re getting stretched too often. If you close the gaps, you force turnovers. Simple as that.
Megan: Got it. Next: 'Who is the sleeper player to watch this season?'
Steve: Filip Bystedt. If he gets consistent minutes, his skill set can surprise people. He’s quiet, but he’s talented.
Megan: Final question from @HockeyDadTX: 'Will the Sharks make the playoffs this year?'
Steve: It’s a rebuilding year with a superstar ceiling. I say no. But they’ll be competitive.
Megan: There you have it. Celebrini’s record-breaking deal, the center logjam, and the goalies. We’re counting down to the opener against Anaheim on September 20th. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network wherever you listen. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear about the Sharks’ future. Go Sharks!