RISE: Macklin Celebrini & San Jose Sharks Ready to DEFY Expectations and Make Playoffs?

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal season as The Athletic projects them at 89 points—just shy of the playoff cut. Can Macklin Celebrini’s breakout performance and Will Smith’s offensive spark propel San Jose back into contention? JD Young breaks down the model’s predictions, highlighting Celebrini’s +17.4 net rating, Michael Misa’s immediate impact, and the blue line’s potential Achilles’ heel led by Sam Dickinson’s struggles. Is 95 points truly the magic number for clinching a playoff berth in the increasingly top-heavy Western Conference? Roster moves heat up as Jake Gustafson, Alexander Karmanov, and Brady Knowling return to their junior clubs, setting the stage for crucial roster cuts before the new NHL season. JD Young outlines key trends in playoff qualification, the significance of divisional matchups, and whether goaltender Yaroslav Askarov can provide the consistency needed for a postseason push. Are the Sharks primed to break out—or destined to remain in the NHL’s middle tier?