Megan: He’s the highest-paid player in the entire NHL. Ninety-four million dollars for five years. Macklin Celebrini is officially the face of the franchise, and he has a brand new coach, Ryan Warsofsky, who just signed an extension to build this team around him.
Steve: And let’s be clear about that number. Eighteen point eight million average annual value. That isn’t just a contract; that is a statement. The Sharks are no longer asking if they can compete. They are telling the Pacific Division they are ready to take over.
Megan: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we live and breathe hockey every single day. I’m Megan, and as always, I’m joined by Steve. We are three days out from puck drop, and the energy in San Jose is palpable.
Steve: It feels different this year. You can hear it in the training camp reports. There’s a sense of urgency because of that massive investment in Celebrini and the re-signing of Collin Graf. But before we get into the deep dive, I want to say something quick.
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Steve: Thanks for listening. So, what are we talking about today? First, we break down the biggest storyline: the matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Second, we look at the eleven centers competing for ice time and who actually gets to play.
Megan: And third, we give you our keys to the game and a bold prediction for how this season starts. The Sharks are currently sitting first in the Pacific Division on paper, but the record is 0-0-0. Let’s get into Segment One.
Megan: Okay, so the Sharks open up against the Anaheim Ducks. It’s a divisional rivalry, which always adds a little spice. What is the biggest narrative heading into this opener?
Steve: The narrative is stability meeting youth. For the first time in recent memory, Ryan Warsofsky is locked in with a multiyear extension. He took them to the brink of the playoffs last two seasons. Now, he has Macklin Celebrini under contract for the long haul.
Megan: That’s huge. Usually, when you have a young core, you worry about continuity. But having the coach and the superstar on the same page is key. How does that change the dynamic against Anaheim?
Steve: It changes the forecheck. Warsofsky knows his players better now. He doesn’t have to spend October teaching basic systems. He can go straight to aggressive neutral-zone pressure. Against a Ducks team that is still figuring itself out, that’s a massive advantage.
Megan: I love that. Aggressive neutral-zone pressure. And we know Celebrini is elite at winning pucks in tight spaces. If he’s leading that press, Anaheim’s defensemen are going to have their hands full immediately.
Steve: Exactly. But here is the nuance. The Sharks have eleven centers. That is a lot of bodies. In preseason, coaches usually test a lot of combinations. The question is, which line does Warsofsky trust on opening night?
Megan: We talked about this yesterday. The congestion is real. We have guys like Will Smith, Filip Bystedt, Alex Barre-Boulet, all fighting for spots. Who do you see starting on that top line with Celebrini?
Steve: I think you look at experience. Tyler Toffoli is there. Barclay Goodrow is there. But I also think they might lean on speed. Will Smith has that rookie energy. He’s fast, he’s creative. I could see him getting those early minutes to match up with Celebrini’s skill.
Megan: Will Smith on the top line. That’s exciting. It shows faith in the next wave of superstars. But what about the defensive side? The Ducks have some physical forwards. Do the Sharks have the grit to match them?
Steve: They absolutely do. Look at the defense pairings. You’ve got Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse. Those are two heavy hitters. They aren’t just playing defense; they are setting the tone. If Anaheim tries to get physical in the corners, Nurse and Trouba will answer back.
Megan: Ooh, physical. That sounds like a tough opening night. But I like the mix. Speed up front, heavy defense down low. It’s a balanced approach. Let’s move to Segment Two, where we dig into the roster moves and the goaltending battle.
Megan: So, Steve, we’ve mentioned the contracts. Macklin Celebrini is making $18.8 million a year. Collin Graf signed for $12.75 million over three years. What do these deals tell us about the team’s direction?
Steve: They tell us they are done rebuilding. Graf had 21 goals and 25 assists last season. That is production. Paying him that kind of money means they view him as a staple. And Celebrini? He’s the engine. This team is built for 2027 and beyond.
Megan: And yet, we still have this weird situation with eleven centers. We predicted a few days ago that four or five of them would start in the AHL. Are we still sticking with that?
Steve: I am doubling down on that. It’s mathematically impossible for all eleven to play meaningful minutes. You need depth, yes, but not that much depth at one position. I expect Andre Gasseau, Jimmy Huntington, and maybe Zack Ostapchuk to be sent down to make room for the big guns.
Megan: That’s a lot of cuts. But it makes sense for cap management and roster flexibility. Now, what about the net? We have Yaroslav Askarov, Eric Comrie, Ilya Samsonov, Kyle Keyser, and Alex Nedeljkovic. Five goalies. Who is starting on Friday?
Steve: This is the hardest decision of the season. Askarov is the future. He’s talented. But Comrie has experience. He’s been in the league. He knows how to manage a game. In the first month, I’d rather have a vet who won’t panic.
Megan: So we’re sticking with our prediction from Tuesday? Eric Comrie starts the first few games?
Steve: I am. Comrie stabilizes the crease. Askarov can come in for relief or start later in the season when the pressure mounts. But for the opener against Anaheim? I want veteran composure. Comrie gives you that.
Megan: Comrie it is. It’s a smart move. You don’t rush a rookie goalie into a high-pressure divisional opener unless you have to. Plus, with Nurse and Trouba protecting him, he’ll have plenty of help. Let’s wrap up with Segment Three. Keys to the game and our final prediction.
Megan: Okay, so if the Sharks want to win this opener, what are the keys? What needs to happen for Warsofsky’s system to click from Day One?
Steve: Power play efficiency. The Sharks have the talent to kill penalties, but they need to capitalize on the man advantage. Celebrini, Toffoli, and maybe Graf if he plays forward—those guys create chaos in the slot. If they score on the power play early, the game opens up.
Megan: I agree. Special teams will decide close games. And what about the other end? Defense?
Steve: Neutral zone clarity. Don’t turn the puck over. The Sharks have speed, but if they lose possession in the neutral zone, it’s transition hell. Keep it simple. Dump and chase if you have to, but protect the middle. Let the defensemen control the pace.
Megan: Protect the middle. Control the pace. Simple advice, but hard to execute against a hungry Anaheim team. Alright, Steve, give me your bold prediction. Where do the Sharks finish in the Pacific by March?
Steve: First place. I said it at the start, and I mean it. With Warsofsky’s stability, Celebrini’s dominance, and that defensive pair of Nurse and Trouba, they have the complete package. They are going to grind out wins in February and march straight into the playoffs as the top seed.
Megan: Bold! I love it. First place. Okay, listeners, that is our preview. We’ve covered the matchup, the roster crunch, the goalie decision, and our predictions. The Sharks are ready.
Steve: Friday night is the night. Be ready. Support the team, watch the game, and let’s see if Warsofsky’s new era starts right away.
Megan: Thanks for tuning in to the Beatline Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this preview, please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this episode with a fellow Sharks fan!
Steve: Keep your stick on the ice. See you after the game.