Last season was disastrous for the San Jose Sharks. With no real scoring threat, no defensive acumen, and rampant injuries throughout the organization, the Sharks' season was not good. But, this offseason has seen general manager Mike Grier address many of the holes in the lineup. Tyler Toffoli, Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Jake Walman, and Alex Wennberg outline the team additions in teal, giving the Sharks a new look roster heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Could the San Jose Sharks become a playoff team this season?
Well, there's an interesting conversation around this. When you think of those teams pushing for those playoff spots, they tend to have flaws but have standout players. You think of the Minnesota Wild, who missed the playoffs last year but pushed hard, and you think of electric winger Kirill Kaprizov. With the St Louis Blues, who were the best team to miss last season's extra games, you think of Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas.
However, even the teams that make the playoffs have flaws. If we turn to the east, a great example is the New York Islanders. They made the playoffs without any scoring threat but were swiftly dispatched in the first round by a team with Stanley Cup ambitions. Playoff teams and genuine contenders are different, as are playoff teams and teams fighting for a playoff spot. If you want a team with an electric offense but shaky defense and goaltending to make the postseason, it's the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Do the San Jose Sharks fit this mold after the postseason they've had? It's a question that has been swirling in my mind for a few days. No expectations will be placed upon this roster, but is it feasible for this organization to push for a berth in the postseason, given the facelift it has had this summer?