The San Jose Sharks have had a tough few seasons, often finishing near the bottom of the NHL standings. But things are finally looking up for the team. With a group of young, exciting players coming in, the Sharks might be turning things around.
The team has done well in recent NHL drafts, picking up top prospects and starting to build a strong foundation for the future. If these young stars grow into the players they’re expected to become, San Jose could be a serious threat in the league in the coming years.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top young talents leading the Sharks’ rebuild.
Macklin Celebrini – A Future Superstar in the Making
Macklin Celebrini is just 18 years old but is already proving to be one of the best rookies in the NHL this season. After being picked first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, he has scored 24 goals and collected 62 points in 67 games.
Celebrini plays like someone much older. He handles pressure well, makes smart plays, and performs even better when the stakes are high. Many expect him to be a top contender for the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the best rookie each year. With his talent, Celebrini is clearly a big part of San Jose’s future.
Will Smith – Creative Playmaker with Great Vision
Will Smith, drafted fourth overall in 2023, had a brilliant college season at Boston College before joining the Sharks. In his first NHL season, the 20-year-old has scored 18 goals and 45 points in 71 games.
Smith is known for his smart passing and ability to create scoring chances for his teammates. While his stats may not fully show it yet, he’s already become an important player for the team and will only get better with more experience.
Yaroslav Askarov – The Goalie of the Future
Yaroslav Askarov was originally picked 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2020. However, he didn’t get much playing time there because of Juuse Saros. Now with San Jose, the Sharks are giving him a chance to be their top goaltender.
In his 13 games this season, Askarov has had some ups and downs but is adjusting well. He’s also done great in the AHL, with a .926 save percentage and 2.37 goals-against average in 21 games. His athletic ability and determination make him a strong candidate to be the team’s main goalie soon.
William Eklund – Reliable and Growing Each Season
At 22, William Eklund is slightly more experienced than the others on this list. Drafted seventh overall in 2021, the Swedish winger has already shown he can be a consistent offensive player.
Eklund scored 45 points in his rookie NHL season and has improved to 57 points this year in 74 games. He may not be the fastest, but his hockey sense and skills help him avoid defenders and make smart plays. He’s a key part of San Jose’s offense now and for the future.
Sam Dickinson – The Next Big Thing on Defence
Sam Dickinson, drafted 11th overall in 2024, is still playing with the London Knights in the OHL. He’s already looking like a future NHL star. At 6-foot-3, he has size and skating ability, which helps him control the game at both ends of the ice.
This season, Dickinson scored 29 goals and 91 points in just 55 games—an incredible number for a defenseman. He plays in all situations and is improving every year. He hasn’t played in the NHL yet, but all signs suggest he will be a big part of the Sharks’ blue line soon.
The San Jose Sharks may have struggled in recent years, but with a group of exciting young players like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, Yaroslav Askarov, and Sam Dickinson, the team is finally heading in the right direction.
Each of these players brings something special to the table, and together they could form the core of a successful future. If this group continues to grow and develop, San Jose fans might not have to wait much longer to see their team become a real contender in the NHL again.
