In the final episode of NHL Wraparound’s Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren close out the series with the San Jose Sharks — a team that might just be entering its most hopeful rebuild phase in years.
After finishing dead last in 2024–25 with only 52 points, the Sharks are beginning to turn the corner. They’ve added key veterans like Jeff Skinner, John Klingberg, and Dmitry Orlov, while ushering in a promising new era led by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
From goaltending uncertainty to an emerging forward group, the Sharks’ 2025–26 season might not be playoff-bound — but it's shaping up to be a big leap forward for the franchise.
🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:00] San Jose’s rebuild year begins
[00:35] Offseason pickups: Nedeljkovic, Orlov, Skinner, Klingberg, Kurashev, Godette, Reaves
[01:00] Prospect infusion: Celebrini + Smith headline youth movement
[01:45] Orlov’s signing gives credibility to blue line
[02:30] Net concerns: Can Nedeljkovic and Askarov steady the crease?
[03:30] Celebrini vs. Bedard debate: A more complete 200-ft game?
[04:45] Jeff Skinner and Godette provide veteran help for Smith
[05:30] Celebrini’s top-line outlook with Eklund and Toffoli
[06:00] Prospect pipeline: Dickinson, Musty, more on the rise
[06:45] Ryan Warsofsky praised for his first year behind the bench
[07:30] Will San Jose escape the NHL basement?
[08:00] Final reflections on all 32 teams: Optimism vs. reality
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith offer one of the most exciting 1–2 rookie punches in the league.
The Sharks' rebuild may not yield a playoff berth yet, but the structure is finally taking shape.
Dmitry Orlov’s 2-year deal brings stability and leadership to a defense corps that needed both.
Goaltending remains the biggest wildcard — but Askarov and Nedeljkovic may be better than some other tandems in the West.
GM Mike Grier and coach Ryan Warsofsky appear to be aligned in building this young, fast, and fun roster the right way.
🎯 FINAL WORD:
For the first time in years, hope feels real in San Jose.
With two elite forward prospects, solid veteran adds, and an improving defensive structure, the Sharks are on the rise — even if the scoreboard doesn’t show it quite yet. They’re not playoff-ready, but they’re no longer a guaranteed bottom-feeder either.
Call it a step forward. Finally.
🔗 RESOURCE LINKS
🎥 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel
🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound
🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil
📘 VicMorren: Vic on LinkedIn
📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound
🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound
👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound on Facebook
🏒 HASHTAGS
#SanJoseSharks #AlexNedeljkovic #JohnKlingberg #JeffSkinner #AdamGaudette #PhilippKurashev #NickLeddy #RyanReaves #DmitryOrlov #BarclayGoodrow #MacklinCelebrini #ConnorBedard #WillSmith #YaroslavAskarov #AlexandarGeorgiev #BrianLeetch #TylerToffoli #WilliamEklund #MikeGrier #RyanWarsofsky