Exciting Sharks Season Preview: Misa Joins Forces with Celebrini and Smith to Accelerate Rebuild
Rookie Talent Shines in Sharks Lineup with Rising Stars
Impressive Debut for Luca Cagnoni
Since making his NHL debut on March 20 against the Carolina Hurricanes, 20-year-old defenseman Luca Cagnoni has captured the attention of the San Jose Sharks’ coaching staff. In a match where the Sharks faced a 3-1 loss, Cagnoni logged 23:15 of ice time, demonstrating his ability to manage the power play. His skills have not gone unnoticed, with Cagnoni being the first defenseman and second skater from the San Jose Barracuda to be named to the 2024-25 AHL All-Rookie Team. According to Sharks coach Warsofsky, breaking out pucks with ease is one of Cagnoni’s greatest strengths, an area where the Sharks struggled last season.
Sam Dickinson’s Promising Future
At just 19, Sam Dickinson has made significant strides in his development. The defenseman recorded 91 points in 55 games, surpassing the previous OHL record held by Evan Bouchard for most points by a defenseman at his position. Dickinson’s dominant performance in playoffs, contributing 31 points in 17 games, was key to London securing its second consecutive league title. Although Dickinson is not eligible for the AHL or NCAA, the Sharks are considering starting him in the NHL. They’ll have nine games to decide if they want to retain Dickinson and start the first year of his entry-level contract.
Will Smith: A Fantasy Sleeper with Potential
Will Smith, a forward for the Sharks, has been making waves in fantasy hockey circles. From January 20 through the end of the season, Smith’s 30 points in 34 games were second only to teammate Celebrini. Smith is projected to remain in a top-six role, giving him plenty of opportunities to shine, particularly with Celebrini. He ranked among the top rookies last season with 33 even-strength points and five power-play goals. Smith’s high performance in NHL EDGE stats, particularly in long-range shots and shot speed, make him a top pick in keeper and dynasty leagues.
Projected Sharks Lineup
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltenders |
|---|---|---|
| William Eklund — Macklin Celebrini — Tyler Toffoli | Dmitry Orlov — John Klingberg | Yaroslav Askarov |
| Jeff Skinner — Michael Misa — Will Smith | Shakir Mukhamadullin — Nick Leddy | Alex Nedeljkovic |
| Philipp Kurashev — Alexander Wennberg — Collin Graf | Mario Ferraro — Timothy Liljegren | |
| Barclay Goodrow — Ty Dellandrea — Adam Gaudette |
The Sharks’ lineup showcases a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. As they aim for improvement in the upcoming season, the contributions of rookies like Cagnoni, Dickinson, and Smith will be pivotal in shaping their success.
