San Jose Sharks Check In Too Low In Preseason Power Rankings
The San Jose Sharks experienced a tough 2014-15 campaign as San Jose was mired by inconsistency throughout the entire season. Their best player, Joe Thornton, was stripped of his captaincy position before the season began, and by the end of the year, he was publicly feuding with general manager Doug Wilson.
Wilson deserves his fair share of the blame for the faults of last season as he did nothing to improve a San Jose Sharks team that blew a 3-0 series lead against the archrival Los Angeles Kings the prior year. Wilson did more harm than good in 2014-15 as the Sharks had no depth and he created more problems than solutions.
Because of their struggles last year, there are some who believe San Jose could be in for another long season in 2015-16. Too Many Men On The Site, who does a great job in covering the entire NHL landscape here at FanSided, released their power rankings for the upcoming season. The San Jose Sharks checked in at number 23 in their NHL preview and rankings.
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For the San Jose Sharks, that ranking is too low based upon the moves Wilson made this offseason to improve the team. Criticize Wilson all you want for the debacle that was last season, but if you have to recognize the work he did over the summer to bring in more talent to San Jose.
The Sharks made an upgrade at every level of their team by trading for Martin Jones in goal (subsequently trading Antti Niemi to the Dallas Stars), signing free agent defenseman Paul Martin and adding depth to the forward ranks with veteran Joel Ward.
Of the three acquisitions, Wilson is betting big on Jones’ ability to handle a number one goaltender’s workload. He’s posted great numbers in the AHL and in limited starts with the Kings over the past two seasons, but now he gets the opportunity to make the jump to full-time minutes.
Wilson paid a hefty price to bring in Jones, so if he struggles, Wilson could be on the hot seat. There’s a good portion of the fan base that is fed up with Wilson, and this is likely his make-or-break season in teal.
Simply put, last season can’t happen again. However, with the moves made over the offseason and the fresh start and motivation that a new coaching staff brings, look for the San Jose Sharks to be in playoff hunt once again.
Sorry Too Many Men, there’s no way the Sharks are ranked 23rd and they will certainly prove it over the course of the 2015-16 season.
Next: Top Five Candidates For Sharks Captaincy Position