Six key questions as the San Jose Sharks open a pivotal season

The San Jose Sharks are preparing to open their season on Thursday against the Florida Panthers at SAP Center. Macklin Celebrini enters his first season as team captain following a strong 2025-26 campaign, leading an evolving roster aiming for its first playoff appearance since 2019. Ahead of the new season, head coach Ryan Warsofsky received a multiyear contract extension from general manager Mike Grier.

San Jose continues to integrate young talent alongside veterans such as Alexander Wennberg. Rookie Ivar Stenberg, the No. 2 overall draft pick, recorded three goals and five points in three preseason games while skating on a line with Wennberg and Collin Graf, placing him in contention for a Game 1 lineup spot.