Browsing: Sharks

RALEIGH, N.C. — Macklin Celebrini set up San Jose’s first two goals to tie for the NHL assists lead and added an empty-netter, helping the Sharks beat Carolina 4-1 on Sunday night for their first road victory over the Hurricanes since 2018.

Celebrini tied Edmonton star Connor McDavid for the assists lead with 28, and moved a point ahead of McDavid for second in the scoring race with 43 — six behind Nathan MacKinnon of Colorado.

The Sharks had lost six in a row in Raleigh since a 3-1 victory Feb. 4, 2018 — when Celebrini was 11 years old.

Collin Graf, John Klingberg and Alexander Wennberg also scored, and Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 29 shots against his former team.

Jordan Staal scored for the Hurricanes, and Pyotr Kochetkov made 18 saves in his first loss in five starts this season. The Hurricanes dropped to 3-3-0 with a game left on their homestand.

Celebrini found Klingberg in the slot for a one-timer at 7:54 of the second period to give the Sharks a 2-1 lead. Wennberg scored off a rebound with 4:46 to go in the period.

Nedeljkovic was particularly sharp in the third period with 16 saves. Celebrini capped the scoring with the empty-netter with 1:20 left.

The Hurricanes kicked off a celebration of the 20th anniversary of their 2006 Stanley Cup champion team on Sunday. Most of the players, and former coach Peter Laviolette, were at the game and will be honoured on the ice Tuesday night before a home game with Columbus.

Sharks: At Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

Hurricanes: Host Columbus on Tuesday night.

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Macklin Celebrini is a generational star, but even players of his caliber canâ€t drag a franchise forward on sheer brilliance alone.

The San Jose Sharks havenâ€t reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2019, and if they hope to break that skid, their supporting cast must rise to the occasion. The numbers make that reality painfully clear: when Celebrini registers at least one point, San Jose wins nearly twice as often as it loses. When heâ€s held quiet, not only have the Sharks failed to secure a single victory this season, but their offense all but evaporates.

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That dynamic resurfaced Friday in a 4–1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Sharks†top line was effectively neutralized, and although the third line offered a flicker of life—Collin Graf hammered home his fourth of the season in the second period—it proved insufficient. San Joseâ€s fifth straight road loss was sealed well before the final horn.

Yet, even amid the setbacks, this remains a team moving in the right direction. After finishing dead last in each of the previous two seasons and hovering just above the basement the year before, the Sharks are beginning to show legitimate, sustainable progress.

If you’re getting praised by one of the best hockey players of this generation in Sidney Crosby, you’re probably doing things right.

A Goal Wiped Away

Late in regulation, Celebrini briefly appeared to breathe life into San Joseâ€s push. He uncorked a blistering one-timer past Jake Oettinger with 2:20 remaining, seemingly trimming the deficit to 3–2. But the celebration was short-lived. Following a Stars coachâ€s challenge, officials determined that Philipp Kurashev had entered the zone offside—24 seconds before the shot—nullifying what could have been a pivotal moment.

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The Blueprint Ahead

If the Sharks want to follow a trajectory similar to the Colorado Avalanche of five or so years ago, the next step is clear: strategic, meaningful roster upgrades. Depth wins in the modern NHL, and San Jose remains a few well-chosen pieces away from turning competitive flashes into consistent success. Celebriniâ€s continued ascent only amplifies the urgency—and the opportunity.

At just 19, he sits third in the NHL scoring race with 40 points, trailing only Connor McDavid (42) and Nathan MacKinnon (48). His 26 assists rank second in the league, again behind McDavidâ€s 28. Heâ€s not merely living up to expectations; heâ€s expanding them.

The Sharks face the Carolina Hurricanes today, carrying one of the starkest statistical contrasts in the league. When Celebrini goes pointless, theyâ€re 0-6-2 with just eight goals to show for it. When he factors into the scoring, they surge to 13-7-1.

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San Joseâ€s future hinges on one truth: Celebrini can be the engine, but the rest of the machine must keep pace.

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It appears the San Jose Sharks were “starstruck.â€

The Dallas Stars (18-5-5) came alive in the third period, scoring three goals to pull away for a 4-1 win over the Sharks (13-12-3) on Friday night at American Airlines Center. Goals from Jason Robertson, Sam Steel, Mikko Rantanen, and Miro Heiskanen propelled Dallas, while Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots to secure the victory.

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Collin Graf scored the lone goal for the Sharks. Yaroslav Askarov made 20 saves on the night.

The Stars struck first at 14:20 of the opening period as Jason Robertson netted his 18th goal of the season. Wyatt Johnston unleashed a blistering one-timer from the left circle, and the rebound found Robertson at the edge of the crease, where he finished with precision.

San Jose responded in the second period, with Graf tying the game at 8:23 off a Nick Leddy rebound, keeping the Sharks in contention.

But the final 20 minutes belonged to Dallas. Sam Steel was a constant presence around the net, creating multiple scoring chances, including two while killing penalties. His relentless effort finally paid off at 10:56 when he notched his fourth goal of the season to put Dallas ahead 2-1. Steel initially fired a backhand at goaltender Askarov, corralled his own rebound, and shoveled it through the five-hole to secure the lead.

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Rantanen extended the Stars†lead at 16:39, registering his 13th goal of the season. Coming out from behind the net, Rantanen unleashed a precise wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle, earning his third point of the night.

Miro Heiskanen capped the scoring with an empty-net goal at 17:41, sealing Dallas†4-1 triumph.

The Stars outshot San Jose 24-17, and went 1 for 2 on the power play. The Sharks, meanwhile, failed to convert all four of their opportunities on the man advantage.

The Sharks are back in action Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes (16-8-2) at Lenovo Center. Puck drop takes place at 2 p.m. PT.

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Jason Robertson, Sam Steel and Miro Heiskanen also scored and Wyatt Johnston had two assists for Dallas, which won its second straight and extended its point streak to nine games (7-0-2). Jake Oettinger finished with 16 saves.

Colin Graf scored for San Jose, which lost its second straight. Yaroslav Askarov had 20 saves.

Steel put the Stars ahead 2-1 with 9:04 remaining as he pushed in the rebound of his own shot. Askarov made the stop on his initial attempt from the right circle, but the puck was loose on the left side. As the goalie tried to gather it, Steel rushed in and knocked it through Askarov’s pads.

Rantanen pushed it to 3-1 as he beat Askarov over his glove hand from the right circle with 3:21 to go for his 13th goal of the season.

Macklin Celebrini appeared to pull the Sharks back within one with 2:44 remaining, but the goal was overturned on review after a challenge for offside.

Heiskanen sealed it with a long empty-netter 25 seconds later.

Robertson gave the Stars a 1-0 lead with 5:40 left in the first as he knocked in a rebound into an open net from the left side. Askarov made the stop on Wyatt Johnstonâ€s one-timer from the slot, but the puck went up and off the crossbar and dropped on the ice on the left side, where Robertson gathered it and backhanded it in for his 18th.

Graf tied it 1-1 as he scored 8:23 into the second on a rebound after Nick Leddy’s shot was blocked in front. It came on the Sharks’ fifth shot on goal of the game.

Sharks: At Carolina on Sunday.

Stars: Host Pittsburgh on Sunday.

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Alex Ovechkin scored twice to extend his record to 911 career goals, Riley Leonard had four points and the Washington Capitals beat the San Jose Sharks 7-1 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight win.

Ovechkin started a four-goal barrage in the first period when he scored on a rebound near the side of the net midway. He added a power-play goal in the second to give him 14 goals on the season and 10 in the past 11 games.

Washington got plenty of help, getting goals from Sonny Milano, Leonard, Brandon Duhaime later in the period to knock out Yaroslav Askarov and help extend the team’s longest winning streak since also winning six straight in January last season.

Leonard finished with two goals and two assists and Dylan Strome also scored for Washington.

Charlie Lindgren made 23 saves and added his second career assist for the Capitals.

Pavol Regenda scored his second goal since being called up from the AHL earlier this week when he converted on the power play in the third period to cut the deficit to 7-1 and deny Lindgren the shutout.

Askarov had won nine of his last 11 starts, allowing two goals or fewer in eight of those wins. But this was the second time in the past eight days that he was knocked out early after getting replaced early in the second period last Wednesday in Colorado after allowing four goals.

Askarov made eight saves and Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 15 of 18 shots in relief.

The Sharks had won seven of their last eight home games but were never in this game after Ovechkin got the scoring barrage started.

Ovechkin’s goal in the second gave him 181 career muiltigoal games — eight shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record.

Capitals: At Anaheim on Friday.

Sharks: At Dallas on Friday.

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  Sean AllenDec 1, 2025, 12:00 PM ET

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  Sean Allen is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. He was the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Writer of the Year.

The Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers strutted into the season with swagger — implied playoff chances of 75%, 83%, 94% and 92%, respectively.

But as the games piled up, the confidence meter has been recalibrated: Winnipeg is coasting at 57%, Toronto’s dreams have cooled to 41%, Florida is clawing back at 67% and Edmonton is still running at a healthy 85%.

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Take a look at the current standings, and you won’t find any of these teams in a playoff position. Instead, the Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers are occupying those spots to start December. Their preseason implied playoff chances were 6%, 14%, 14% and 25%, respectively, yet after two months of action (roughly 29% of the season), the markets have only nudged them upward: the Flyers are at 49%, the Penguins at 26%, the Kraken at 24%, and the Blackhawks are still just at 13%.

Admittedly, the current standings aren’t a perfect gauge, as games played range from 24 to 27 and teams have faced very different opponents. But even a quick projection using point percentage, accounting for both strength of schedule played and remaining, can tack on projected points and normalize the standings.

This method doesn’t attempt to account for slumps, injuries, coaching changes or any of the other chaos generators that will shape the rest of the season. Instead, think of it as a way of projecting the remainder of the season if every team had just as much success as they’ve had so far.

If strength of schedule has any sway, it’s the San Jose Sharks who are getting the least love from the markets right now. By our simple strength-of-schedule calculation — using point percentage of opponents faced and opponents remaining — the Sharks have played the second-hardest schedule so far and have the easiest schedule going forward. And in the “same success continues” projection, it’s San Jose that sneaks into the final playoff spot in the West.

Yet they remain a contrarian bet: their odds have only drifted from 16-1 in the preseason to 11-1 now.

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In both the East and the West, we have to account for tighter standings this season with more overtime points being handed out. There have been an average of 2.28 standings points awarded per game so far. That compares to 2.21 for all of last season, 2.20 at last year’s Thanksgiving mark and 2.23 in 2023-24.

The difference from first (34 points) to last (24) in the East right now is a 10-point gap. Last Thanksgiving, it was 33 (Carolina Hurricanes) to 19 (Montreal Canadiens).

Confidence from bettors is the quickest way for odds to start swinging, but it’s hard to build any when almost everyone is bunched together. Parity keeps the markets cautious.

Only four teams have seen a swing greater than 25% in their implied playoff chances from the preseason to now: the Maple Leafs (down 43%), Vancouver Canucks (down 30%), Panthers (down 27%) and Anaheim Ducks (up 43%).

Expanding the cutoff to 20% only adds four more: the Nashville Predators (down 24%), New York Rangers (down 21%), St. Louis Blues (down 20%) and Flyers (up 24%).

So maybe the markets aren’t asleep at the wheel, maybe they’re just staring at the same traffic jam as the rest of us. With everyone mashed into the same point cluster, even the big movers feel more like overcorrections than declarations. Until a few teams actually create daylight, no one’s ready to plant a flag.

But if you’re hunting for value, this is the kind of gridlock you want. Parity makes the favorites look shakier, but it also leaves a few teams significantly underpriced. The Sharks projecting into a playoff spot while still sitting at 11-1 is a “someone forgot to change that line” special. The Blackhawks — keeping that playoff spot warm for the Sharks — at +700 aren’t far off, either.

In a season where everyone’s stuck in the same lane, you’re not betting on who’s great … you’re betting on who finds the open road first.

Note: Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.

Awards

Similarly, let’s have a quick check-in on the movers and shakers for the major NHL awards when it comes to implied percentage from the odds.

Hart Trophy Risers

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Connor Bedard shows off ridiculous hands for the goal

Connor Bedard shows off ridiculous hands for the goal

• Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche: +36.8% (preseason/current, +500/-115)

• Connor Bedard, C/RW, Chicago Blackhawks: +6.3% (preseason/current, 250-1/14-1)

• Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks: +3.9% (preseason/current, 250-1/22-1)

• Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche: +2.4% (preseason/current, 40-1/20-1)

• Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights: +2.1% (preseason/current, 25-1/16-1)

Hart Trophy Fallers

• Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers: -6.7% (preseason/current, 10-1/40-1)

• Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: -5.2% (preseason/current, 15-1/100-1)

• Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers: -4.7% (preseason/current, +200/+250)

• David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins: -4.4% (preseason/current, 15-1/55-1)

• Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild: -4.4% (preseason/current, +800/14-1)

Norris Trophy Risers

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Cale Makar scores goal for Avalanche

Cale Makar nets goal for Avalanche

Norris Trophy Fallers

• Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks: -9.9% (preseason/current, +235/+400)

• Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers: -3.8% (preseason/current, 20-1/100-1)

• Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres: -3.8% (preseason/current, 20-1/100-1)

• Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators: -3.6% (preseason/current, 25-1/500-1)

• Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars: -3.5% (preseason/current, 16-1/40-1)

Vezina Trophy Risers

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Logan Thompson makes big-time save vs. Islanders

Logan Thompson makes big-time save vs. Islanders

• Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals: +26.0% (preseason/current, 20-1/+225)

• Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning: +17.6% (preseason/current, 10-1/+275)

• Spencer Knight, G, Chicago Blackhawks: +10.1% (preseason/current, 100-1/+800)

• Scott Wedgewood, G, Colorado Avalanche: +4.3% (preseason/current, N/A/22-1)

• Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins: +2.9% (preseason/current, 25-1/14-1)

Vezina Trophy Fallers

• Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets: -15.0% (preseason/current, +450/30-1)

• Anthony Stolarz, G, Toronto Maple Leafs: -4.1% (preseason/current, 20-1/150-1)

• Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars: -3.8% (preseason/current, 15-1/40-1)

• Juuse Saros, G, Nashville Predators: -3.1% (preseason/current, 25-1/150-1)

• Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Flames: -2.8% (preseason/current, 25-1/100-1)

Calder Trophy Risers

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Matthew Schaefer nets goal for Islanders

Matthew Schaefer nets goal for Islanders

• Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders: +67.1% (preseason/current, 22-1/-250)

• Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild: +4.3% (preseason/current, 60-1/16-1)

• Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks: +3.2% (preseason/current, 60-1/20-1)

• Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens: +1.9% (preseason/current, +275/+250)

• Braeden Bowman, RW, Vegas Golden Knights: +1.4% (preseason/current, N/A/70-1)

Calder Trophy Fallers

• Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes: -10.1% (preseason/current, +800/100-1)

• Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames: -7.0% (preseason/current, 12-1/150-1)

• Ryan Leonard, RW, Washington Capitals: -6.7% (preseason/current, 12-1/100-1)

• Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild: -6.3% (preseason/current, 12-1/70-1)

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SAN JOSE — When referees turned the game into a power-play shootout, the San Jose Sharks pulled out a rocket-launcher while the Vancouver Canucks tried a Nerf gun. Even David couldnâ€t have defeated Goliath with that firepower.

The Sharks got two goals from their power play and another from the National Hockey Leagueâ€s command centre in Toronto and beat the Canucks 3-2 on Friday to halt Vancouverâ€s winning streak at one game.

The Canucks havenâ€t counted to two straight wins since Oct. 19.

That they lost by only one goal Friday is indicative of how much better Vancouver was at even strength in a game when shot attempts were 65-43 for the Canucks.

The struggling team has lost a bunch of games this season on special teams, but itâ€s usually the penalty killing that sinks the Canucks, not their power play.

Against the Sharks, who turned the game around in the second period on a five-on-three power play made possible by referee Garrett Rankâ€s unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes, the Canucks failed to generate a goal over 11:37 of power-play time and, officially, eight advantages.

San Joseâ€s power play went 2-for-6, although the Sharks†winning goal at 15:17 of the second period came on a review initiated by the NHLâ€s Situation Room, which utilized X-ray technology to determine that the puck inside Vancouver goalie Nikita Tolopiloâ€s glove was completely over the goal-line.

“I donâ€t think so,†Tolopilo said after ex-Canuck Adam Gaudetteâ€s game-winner. “I don’t think my glove was behind the line. . . but I haven’t seen the replay from upstairs. My glove was right on the post. I don’t think they could clearly see if the puckâ€s, like, fully behind the line. But they made a call and (there is) nothing you can do.â€

Referees Rank and Riley Brace made a lot of calls.

Of the 60-minute matinee, which wasnâ€t especially physical, 19:58 was played on special teams.

After William Eklund blasted a puck under Tolopilo at the back post to tie the game 2-2 on the Sharks†five-on-three at 14:03 of the middle frame, the referees did what NHL officials usually do when theyâ€ve become a factor: they started looking for San Jose penalties.

The Sharks were shorthanded six times in the last 25 minutes, although the final Canuck power play lasted less than two seconds due to a melee at 19:58 that saw Sharks Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea each knock over Elias Pettersson from behind.

But the Canucks†eighth-ranked power play (23.8 per cent), which was on a 10-for-30 heater the last seven games, couldnâ€t score. It failed to generate enough close-range chances against Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov, who had daylight in front of him to see, catch and hold a bunch of late point shots from Vancouver.

“We seemed a little bit out of sorts,†Canucks coach Adam Foote said of the power play. “It looked like the emotions got into it, involved, and we were just out of sync. Youâ€ve got to reel that back in; it’s a game to win. We had them all night (at five on five). There was a lot going on with the calls. . . on both sides, so I don’t know what to tell you on that one.â€

Foote added later: “I didn’t like our shots. We’ve got to take a hard look at that and maybe. . . when it’s going like that, we throw two D on and get Fil (Hronek) shooting to the net. I think we’re getting a little bit too predictable, and they were just jumping on it. We’ll talk about it and figure it out.â€

The Canucks visit the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night before finishing their difficult four-game trip Tuesday against the rampaging Colorado Avalanche.

“They scored power play goals, we didn’t,†Canuck Brock Boeser said. “So that’s what it comes down to.

“I think we had some good looks; we just didn’t score. I think weâ€ve got to bear down when we get a power play late in the game and find a way to score.â€

Boeser, who finished with five shots on net and 10 attempts, did score at even strength to put the Canucks ahead 1-0 at 4:28 of the first period. The lead lasted only until 9:25 when Will Smith scored at the backdoor with Hughes in the penalty box for interference.

That soft call for a shove against Eklund, who was jumping for a high puck and reacted dramatically to the contact, is context for the unsportsmanlike penalty Hughes was assessed at 12:28 of the second period.

Before that call, Pettersson scored one of the most impressive goals in the NHL this season, using his deft hands to bunt the puck around Shark Tyler Toffoli at speed, then go wide around Askarov before scoring from one knee at 3:04.

Pettersson later took a holding penalty, so the Canucks†two best offensive players, Pettersson and Hughes, were assessed a total of three minors in one game after amassing only six penalties all season.

The second call against Hughes became especially damaging when Canuck defenceman Marcus Pettersson tripped Macklin Celebrini during the Sharks†five-on-four power play, putting Vancouver two players down.

Asked post-game if had been assessed an unsportsmanlike minor during his first six years in the NHL, Hughes told Sportsnet: “I’m not sure, I can’t remember one.â€

But the captain added: “The refs do a really good job in the league, so Iâ€ve got nothing to say about that. And it doesn’t really matter what happened (for) their power plays because itâ€s not like we didn’t have our power plays and didn’t have our looks. So I’m not going to blame them on that (call).â€

“I know what was said (and), I mean, I’ve heard worse that didn’t get called,†Foote said. “But I also don’t know what led up to it. You never know.â€

Foote said the call may have been due to the “last couple of games,†which suggests some history between Hughes and Rank or at least Hughes and the referees.

A senior official, Rank worked the Canucks†5-4 win Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, who had a 6-3 advantage in power plays. (And we will take this opportunity to state, for the 83rd time, that NHL referees should not call consecutive games involving the same team).

“Throughout the league, I think there’s a pretty good back-and-forth with the refs,†Marcus Pettersson said. “I mean, they can take a lot and we can take a lot back. I don’t know what was said. . . but I don’t think Quinn said anything vile or anything like that. There should be a little more leeway.

“It was a weird game, you know, momentum swings both ways with a lot of penalties. So, yeah, that one stinks. We thought we played a pretty solid game, especially in the second period. . . and then, bang, bang, they have a five-on-three.â€

There was no “bang†from the Vancouver power play.

“There definitely was a lot of penalties,†Boeser said, “but I’m not going to say anything bad about those refs. You know, they see the game right in front of their eyes. It comes down to our power play finding a way to score a goal.â€

ICE CHIPS – Lukas Reichel returned as the Canucks†fourth-line centre after being healthy-scratched the previous three games, but barely played (4:59) due to the 14 power plays. . . Beyond his spectacular goal, Pettersson had five shots and won three late faceoffs in the offensive zone to finish 14-15 in the circle. The rest of the Canucks went 12-25. . . Four years after the Sharks terminated his contract, Evander Kane was booed each time he touched the puck for Vancouver. He assisted on Petterssonâ€s goal. . . In his second game since Kiefer Sherwoodâ€s name went on trade billboards, the fiery winger had four shots, eight attempts, four hits, one block and two faceoff wins over 17:57 of ice time.

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The Vancouver Canucks (10–12–2) are making their second stop in a four-game road trip with a match against the San Jose Sharks (11–10–3) this afternoon. This marks the Canucks†second game in California this week, as they most recently took down the Anaheim Ducks in a 5–4 win. San Jose is coming off a colossal 6–0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche — a team Vancouver will face once theyâ€ve played all three California teams during this road trip.

Vancouverâ€s win on Wednesday came about in somewhat of a surprising manner. The team mimicked Anaheimâ€s high-flying, low-defence style of hockey and generated 37 total scoring chances-for throughout all 60 minutes of play — something that hasnâ€t happened often this season. Since October 9, theyâ€ve only hit above 40 scoring chances-for three times; against the Avalanche (40), Dallas Stars (41), and Chicago Blackhawks (44). While they shouldnâ€t completely abandon the defensive aspect of the game, Vancouver will want to repeat the success they had in generating chances when playing the Sharks.

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One thing to take note of when it comes to San Joseâ€s brand of play is that theyâ€re currently tied for last in the NHL in shots per game with 24.3. In terms of shots and scoring chances, they have only eclipsed 40 once — during their 4–3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on October 28. If the Sharks have a hard time producing chances and generating shots, the Canucks could use that to their advantage by putting up more of their own.

Both the Canucks and the Sharks will play games the day after this matchup, with Vancouver facing the Kings at 7:00 pm PT on Saturday and San Jose taking on the Vegas Golden Knights in Nevada at the same time. Each team will want to be strategic with who they start in net, especially Vancouver considering the fact that their goaltending situation is currently up in the air.

Players To Watch:

Arshdeep Bains

While he didnâ€t end up on the scoresheet in the Canucks†Wednesday night game against the Ducks, Bains played a big role in helping his line generate offence. Wednesday was his first time slotting back into the lineup after being held out for five games and he ultimately made a difference, providing great forecheck during the opening goal. While the teamâ€s skate on Thursday indicated that Bains may not be playing alongside Abbotsford teammate Max Sasson, the forward could be skating with Lukas Reichel, who will provide Bains and Karlsson with a similar level of speed.

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Macklin Celebrini

Many Canucks fans have paid close attention to Celebriniâ€s talents knowing he is from North Vancouver and currently has a brother in the Canucks organization. Vancouver connection aside, however, Celebrini has surpassed all expectations so far this season and leads his team in scoring with 14 goals and 20 assists in 24 games played. He is currently tied for second in the NHL in overall points, matching Connor McDavidâ€s total in one less game played.

Feb 6, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks left winger Drew O’Connor (18) tries to move the puck past San Jose Sharks center Tyler Toffoli (73) during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Vancouver Canucks (10–12–2):

Points:

Quinn Hughes: 2–20–22

Elias Pettersson: 7–14–21

Kiefer Sherwood: 12–4–16

Brock Boeser: 8–7–15

Filip Hronek: 2–13–15

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Goaltenders:

Kevin Lankinen: 4–7–2

Thatcher Demko: 5–4–0

Nikita Tolopilo: 1–0–0

JiÅí Patera: 0–1–0

San Jose Sharks (11–10–3):

Points:

Macklin Celebrini: 14–20–34

Will Smith: 7–14–21

William Eklund: 5–9–14

Dmitry Orlov: 0–13–13

Philipp Kurashev: 6–6–12

Goaltenders:

Yaroslav Askarov: 8–6–1

Alex Nedeljkovic: 3–4–2

Game Information:

Start time: 1:00 pm PT

Venue: SAP Center

Television: Sportsnet

Radio: Sportsnet 650

Make sure you bookmark THN’s Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don’t forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Quinn Hughes Achieves Yet Another Historical Feat

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As the NHL moves deeper into its 2025-26 regular season, thereâ€s a youth movement at the top of the leagueâ€s scoring rankings. Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard had a goal and four points in Fridayâ€s win over the Calgary Flames to give the 20-year-old Bedard eight goals and 14 assists in 15 games and put him in second-place overall in the league with 22 points.

However, another dynamic young star had a terrific performance Friday night, and we are talking about San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, who had a goal and two points in a 2-1 Sharks win over the Winnipeg Jets to give him nine goals and 14 assists in 15 games. The 19-year-old Celebrini, who is in his sophomore NHL season, is looking like heâ€s going to demolish his 2024-25 individual numbers of 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games.

Itâ€s no coincidence the Sharks have won five of their past seven games. Indeed, if you throw away their six-game losing streak to start the season, San Jose is 6-2-1 and now has a 6-6-3 record this year. They currently and surprisingly sit just two standings points out of a Stanley Cup playoff spot.

The Sharks havenâ€t been a playoff team since 2018-19, and in the six seasons that followed, San Jose hasnâ€t finished higher than sixth in their division, and theyâ€ve finished seventh or eighth four times. So all this “being competitive†stuff has that new car smell to it.

But donâ€t take the Sharks†recent strong stretch to mean Celebrini has done all the heavy lifting. Sophomore star winger Will Smith has also been on a point-producing tear, posting six goals and 14 points in 15 games. Thatâ€s a pace that would easily beat his rookie totals of 18 goals and 45 points in 74 games.

Somehow, with a patchwork defense corps and an offense that ranks 10th-overall in the league at 3.33 goals-for per game, the Sharks have been able to win despite having the NHLâ€s third-worst defense (averaging 3.60 goals-against per game) and inconsistent goaltending.

At its best, San Jose can overwhelm opposition defenders, and hereâ€s the crazy part: Sharks GM Mike Grier has managed his draft and development teams so well, Celebrini and Smith are just two members, prominent as they are, of a Sharks future that includes top picks Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson.

In addition, the Sharks also have not one, but two first-round draft picks and a pair of second-round picks at the end of this year. There could be an opportunity for Grier to convert some of those picks and prospects into a needle-moving veteran in a trade, but even if that fails to materialize, San Jose is going to get more high-end young players in its system. That will mean improvement from the Sharks as a whole.

So while Celebrini and Smith are currently thriving, whatâ€s truly great about the Sharks is that theyâ€re going to be very deep and talented in terms of players other than Celebrini and Smith. They are the franchise pieces for this organization, but Grier has painstakingly worked to improve his teamâ€s overall depth, and thatâ€s why thereâ€s soon going to be a day when San Jose is regularly dominating its opponents.

Hall Of Famer Says Celebrini Deserves To Be On Canada’s Olympic Team: ‘I Just Hope He Gets A Chance’
Joe Thornton, who is Macklin Celebrini’s landlord again this year, has seen the No. 1 overall pick grow from an offensive-minded rookie who was a minus-31 last season to an all-around center who is leading the NHL in scoring.

That day may not be this season. In fact, it probably wonâ€t be this season. But how refreshing it must be to be a Sharks fan right now. They’ve suffered through many ugly seasons, but the franchise now has foundational high-end talent for it.

And soon enough, San Jose will be a preferred destination for the leagueâ€s free agents. Itâ€s all starting to fall into place for the Sharks, and Celebrini and Smith are leading the way with the type of performances you hope for in your young core components. They’re worth the price of admission, and eventually, they’re going to be strong challengers to win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

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  Rachel KryshakNov 6, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

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  Rachel Kryshak is a professional data consultant specializing in data communication and modelling. She’s worked in the NHL and consulted for professional teams across North American and Europe. She hosts the Staff & Graph Podcast and discusses sports from a data-driven perspective.

With the top 50 prospects ranking done, and hockey seasons well underway worldwide, it is time to rank each NHL team’s prospect pipeline.

The criteria for a player to be included in the prospect pool is the same as the prospect ranking: any player who is under 23, with less than 50 NHL games played, is eligible for this list. The rankings are done by assigning a value to each of the prospects based on their NHL projection and taking the cumulative value of each team’s prospects. Some teams with many prospects may rank higher than others with fewer, but more talented, prospects. The tie goes to the pipeline with the higher quality prospects.

Counting down from No. 32 all the way to No. 1, here’s the lay of the land for NHL team prospect pipelines for the 2025-26 season:

Last season: 27

Following back-to-back Stanley Cups and three Cup Final appearances in as many years, the Florida Panthers are exactly where they desire to be and will have no qualms about it.

Trading prospects and picks away to win Stanley Cups is the easiest decision — when it works. It has worked famously well for the Panthers as of late, but it leaves them with a very depleted pipeline. Not a single player is expected to become an impactful NHLer, and most are longshots to play.

Gracyn Sawchyn is far and away their best prospect, and has skill and confidence to develop into a middle-six player. Jack Devine and Shamar Moses have NHL depth potential, but are likely to be a few years away. Marek Alscher is an intriguing defensive prospect, with the size and defensive ability to fill a bottom pairing-role for the Panthers in the future.

Last season: 31

Conor Geekie isn’t eligible for this ranking, or the Lightning may have moved up a few spots.

Sam O’Reilly, who was acquired in the Isaac Howard trade, is the Lightning’s best opportunity at a middle-six, impact player. He’s a well-rounded, two-way center that is capable of contributing offense and shutting down the opponent’s best. Learning from Anthony Cirelli is going to be huge for his NHL transition.

The two Ethans, Czata and Gauthier, have NHL potential, and are most likely to be third-line, offensive contributors. Dylan Duke is NHL-ready and should be a contributor in the middle six with a relentless, checking playstyle.

Last season: 22

The Stars have had plenty of success finding players late in the draft, but without many draft picks recently, accruing value is difficult.

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Still, the Stars extracted tremendous value getting Cameron Schmidt in the 2025 draft. If he were three inches taller, he would’ve been a top-15 pick. Schmidt is unsettlingly fast, and generates scoring chances through his skating. If his offensive toolbox of skating, shooting and playmaking translates, he’ll be a top-six forward.

Samu Tuomaala should carve out a bottom-six role as soon as next season for the Stars. Emil Hemming and Brandon Gorzynski have potential to become bottom-six NHL players, with Hemming representing the best chance of an impactful depth player.

Aram Minnetian is the lone defender projected to play NHL games after the Stars dealt Christian Kyrou to Philadelphia. Minnetian has the skating and skill with the puck should see him become a No. 4/5 defender that exits the zone cleanly and disrupts offense.

Last season: 30

The Oilers have three players who are going to play NHL games, and if slotted properly, should be impactful players. Outside of that … it is bleak.

Isaac Howard is playing in the NHL, and has 30-goal potential. To unlock that, playing him consistently with either of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl will be necessary. He’s a good skater who can keep pace, shoots the puck well and brings some physicality on the forecheck. Ideally, he turns into “Zach Hyman lite.”

Matt Savoie is a smaller forward with high-end offensive abilities. He’s another perfect complement to either McDavid or Draisaitl, and could provide secondary offense, something the Oilers desperately need.

Beau Akey is the lone NHL-projectable defenseman outside of the NHL for the Oilers. He moves very well, making him dangerous in transition, and he defends very well in transition. If he starts to consistently engage physically, he could be a shutdown defender on the Oilers’ second pair.

Last season: 24

After trading away their most valuable prospect in Cal Ritchie, the Avs’ pipeline took a major hit. It leaves them with two forward prospects with NHL potential in the middle six.

Gavin Brindley started the season with Colorado before getting hurt, but made things happen when he was on the ice and endeared himself to his coach. He would benefit from some more AHL time, but there is a middle-six, all-situations forward there if he develops properly. Sean Behrens is the other forward prospect with middle-six potential, but is likely two to three years away.

Mikhail Gulyayev is a tantalizing defensive prospect with good transition defense and untapped offensive capability. He needs to play in North America to develop the offense further and realize his NHL potential as a middle-pairing defender.

Ilya Nabokov has legitimate potential to be an NHL starter and is certainly someone who can split time with a 1A goaltender. He moves in a controlled and powerful manner, cuts the angle well and is difficult to beat in breakaway situations. There’s something there for the Avs, who may have him on their roster next year.

Last season: 20

Gone are the days of drafting prospects with special skill; in are the days of drafting big bodies it seems. While both Easton Cowan and Ben Danford play physical, in-your-face hockey, they are also the Leafs’ most intelligent prospects in their on-ice decision making.

Cowan is already playing NHL games, and likely carves out a long-term, second-line role as a scoring pest, although he was sent down to the AHL Wednesday. Danford is a physical defender who should become a second-pair, shutdown guy in tough matchups.

Harry Nansi and Miroslav Holinka have increased their prospect value and projections with brilliant starts to the season. Nansi in particular has elevated his projection to a be middle-six forward with two-way ability and complementary offense. Holinka is most likely to be a bottom-six forward if his two-way play improves.

Luke Haymes and Tyler Hopkins have relatively confident projections as NHL depth players, who may grow into third-line contributors. Defensively, Noah Chadwick and Victor Johasson represent organizational depth options in a year or two.

Last season: 28

Vegas has a few players that are projected to play NHL games — but it’s unlikely those games will be for the Golden Knights, given the organization’s propensity to trade away draft picks and top prospects.

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Trevor Connelly is a brilliantly skilled forward who is a reasonable bet to become a top-six option that can score and make plays. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak has an NHL-ready shot and very good playmaking ability. Whether he makes the NHL as a middle-six forward will be determined by improvement in his skating and competitive engagement.

Matyas Sapovaliv and Mathieu Cataford have bottom-six potential as checking, penalty-killing forwards with secondary offense if they improve their skating.

Carl Lindbom has earned his keep as one of the best young goaltenders in the AHL, and has performed admirably in NHL apperaances. His path to more NHL playing time was blocked with the signing of Carter Hart, elongating the 22-year old’s path to the NHL. He has the tools to be a starter in the NHL, and would help a few teams if he were to be traded.

Last season: 29

Almost all of the Senators’ pipeline value is concentrated on defense. At this point, they should have the NHL’s best D corps in three years.

Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler are both projected to become top-four defenders, with Yakemchuk’s offensive prowess expected to serve him well on the power play. Hensler’s defensive abilities could see him play a significant shutdown role in the NHL.

Tomas Hamara, Gabriel Eliasson and Jorian Donovan are longer shots to become NHL regulars, but should provide value in depth roles.

Up front, Blake Montgomery and Javon Moore are big, reliable two-way players with offensive upside that could see them contribute in third-line roles, providing secondary scoring. Lucas Beckman is an intriguing prospect in goal because he has platoon starter potential as a 1B, but needs to refine his techniques and movements to realize his potential.

Last season: 19

The Devils have prospects at every position, but their standout prospects are on defense and in goal.

Anton Silayev and Seamus Casey both have comfortable porjections in the NHL as middle- to bottom-pairing defenders. Silayev is a mammoth (6-7, 207 pounds) with high-end skating ability who thrives in physical battles. He’ll be best suited in a shutdown role on the middle pair.

Casey is an offensive catalyst who defends the rush very well and squeezes much larger opponents off the puck. His path in Jersey seems blocked by other similar defenseman, but Casey could be an interesting trade chip to an organization that needs mobile defenders. There is immediate No. 4/5 potential there.

Mikhail Yegorov is a strong candidate to develop into an NHL goalie with his size, athleticism and strong mental approach. He makes timely saves and doesn’t get rattled by the moment. Up front, Lenni Hameenaho, Shane Lachance and Ben Kevan have the best chance to become impactful third-line players who can contribute offensively.

Last season: 23

The bulk of the Kings’ pipeline value can be attributed to three goaltenders with NHL potential. Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky and Petteri Rimpinen all have the skill and ability to become starting goaltenders, likely in platoon roles.

Geroge and Slukynsky could form the tandem that becomes the Kings’ future in net, as soon as the 2027-28 season after Darcy Kuemper’s contract expires. They are both that good.

Liam Greentree has a fair chance of developing into dual-threat playmaker and finisher in the top six if he can improve his skating. Kristian Epperson, Koehn Zimmer and Kenny Conners have reasonable chances to become bottom-six forwards.

On defense, Henry Brzustewicz projects as a creative, play-driving, middle-pairing defender. He’s likely two years away, but he will add more mobility and creativity to the Kings’ blue line.

Last season: 16

Harvesting excellent value outside of the first round has allowed the Jets to have quite a few NHL prospects in the pipeline. In particular, the Jets have two forward prospects that should be impactful in middle-six roles.

Brayden Yager has an NHL-ready shot and developed his playmaking skills in the AHL last season. If he continues to develop his off-puck play, he should become an offensive contributor in the middle of the lineup. Brad Lambert is a speedy winger with good puck skills that are tough to defend in transition. If his defensive play continues to improve, he’s going to be a solid middle-six player.

Other forwards with opportunities to play depth roles include Colby Barlow, Kevin He, Kieran Walton, Nikita Chibrikov and Owen Martin.

Elias Salomonsson and Sascha Boumedienne are two Swedish defenders that have middle-pair potential for the Jets. Salomonsson is more likely to play a bottom-pair role where he can win secondary matchups. Ideally, Boumedienne hones his offensive skills and become a secondary power-play quarterback who can drive play.

Last season: 21

The Canucks have been in the mushy middle for a while, but have four prospects with potential to become impactful NHLers.

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Braeden Cootes fills a significant organizational need for center, and while he made the team out of camp, the Canucks made the right choice in returning him to junior. He’s going to be a solid, middle-six center that produces secondary offense and drives play. Jonathan Lekkerimaki isn’t a complete boom-or-bust prospect, but his slight frame isn’t helpful to him if he’s anything but a top-line scorer. He’s certainly got the skill and shot to play in the NHL, but adding strength will increase his confidence to play in the middle.

Tom Willander already looks the part of a middle-pairing defender with shutdown ability, and should be a key piece of the Canucks’ blue line for years.

The Canucks were fantastic at developing goaltenders under Ian Clark, and while he’s stepped back from day-to-day involvement, Alexei Medvedev is the type of goaltender that should thrive in his development system. He’s young, with excellent athleticism and skating ability, and has a strong chance to become an NHL goaltender.

Last season: 7

It has been quite some time since the Sabres were this far down the prospect pipeline ranking, and unlimited lottery picks will certainly buoy the value of a prospect pool. Many of their high-end prospects (Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, Devon Levi) have graduated.

The No. 9 pick this summer, Radim Mrtka is their best defensive prospect, and projects to become a middle-pairing defender that drives play. Adam Kleber is a mammoth-sized defender who has No. 4/5 defender written all over him with his combination of size (6-6, 229 pounds) and skating ability.

Up front, there are three players with legitimate middle-six upside. Konsta Helenius and Noah Ostlund have the highest upside as second-line players, while Brodie Ziemer projects as a middle-six, secondary scorer. Helenius needs to find more offense to become a second-line center, and would likely instead be one of the NHL’s best third-line centers with his two-way ability. Ostlund is best suited for the wing at the NHL level, and will need his dynamic playmaking ability to translate in order to be successful.

Last season: 14

Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow are the crown jewels of the Rangers’ prospect pool. Perreault has to the offensive talent to be a top-six scorer in the NHL, as soon as next season. Morrow has the potential to become a middle-pairing, offensive play driver because of his brilliant skating and puck-handling ability.

Malcolm Spence and Brennan Othmann have third-line potential with bite, and they would complement Noah Laba perfectly. Laba has made a seamless transition to the NHL, and is already playing in the role he’s best suited for in the middle six.

EJ Emery has a path to becoming a shutdown defender in a depth role. Sean Barnhill and Drew Fortescue are longer shots to become NHL defenders, but both have tools and are longer-term projects with projectable NHL traits.

Last season: 32

Having James Hagens fall into their laps at No. 7 this summer certainly boosted the value of the Bruins’ pipeline. Hagens is more than likely to become a first-line center around whom the Bruins can build.

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Acquired at the deadline last season, Fraser Minten is already filling a middle-six role and is likely to be a long-term third line player. Dean Letourneau has the size and skill to become a middle-six forward that provides complementary offense, but he’s at least two years away.

William Moore and Fabian Lysell project to play NHL games and are most likely to contribute in middle of the lineup. Dans Locmelis impressed through camp, and is off to a good start in his first AHL season. A bottom-six role does not seem to be out of the question.

Scoring over a point per game in the USHL, Cooper Simpson is off to a fantastic start. He’s two or three years away, but there is middle-six potential as a complementary scorer.

You might have noticed: The Bruins lack defensive or goaltending prospects, something they will need to address in the near future.

Last season: 13

This is a well-rounded prospect pool with projectable players at every position, players with modest projections and players with high-risk, high-reward projections.

Brady Martin and Matthew Wood project to be second-line players, with Martin profiling as a playoff menace. Ryker Lee is a boom-or-bust type, where he’s a top-six offensive play driver if he hits, and an AHL player if he doesn’t. Teddy Stiga and Yegor Surin have real potential as top-six forwards that complement skilled players because of their relentless playstyle, good speed and ability to make plays.

Ozzy Weisblatt, Cole O’Hara and Joey Willis are all reasonable bets to fill bottom-six roles, with Weisblatt starting to see NHL playing time.

On defense, Tanner Molendyk, Andrew Gibson and Jacob Rombach represent formidable options in middle- or bottom-pair roles. Jack Ivankovic has the tools to become the next Nashvville goalie on the smaller side to steal games. If his skating improves and he develops on schedule, he can be a platoon starter in three years’ time.

Last season: 25

A lot of eyebrows were raised when the Penguins drafted Ben Kindel 11th overall this summer, but he is well on his way to proving every doubter wrong. He’s looked excellent thus far, making the Penguins out of camp and providing impactful minutes along the way. He’s well ahead of development schedule to be a scoring, top-six forward.

Ville Koivunen has made the jump to the NHL after a short stint lighting up the AHL. Koivunen is very smart and his skating has improved to where becoming a middle-six, secondary scorer seems to be his most likely outcome.

Rutger McGroarty, William Horcoff, Tanner Howe and Bill Zonnon all bring complementary offensive games with strong two-way details that should lead to them contributing in the bottom six.

Harrison Brunicke and Owen Pickering are playing with the NHL club and while they’re not tilting the ice in favor of the Penguins yet, they don’t look out of place either. Both are developing and if they can minimize the mistakes, they have paths to becoming top-four defenders.

Last season: 10

The Canes have graduated many of their top prospects, but a few remain and they continue to draft well.

Bradly Nadeau leads the charge, and is a relatively safe bet to become a top-six forward with an elite shot. Two other young forwards to be excited about in the middle six are Nikita Artamonov and Felix Under Sorum. Ivan Ryabkin is a major wild card: if he hits, he’s a second-line power forward; if he doesn’t, he probably won’t carve out a role in the NHL. Playing in the AHL will be good for his development.

Kurban Limatov and Dominik Badinka represent legitimate options in the middle pair, who are big, physical and very mobile. Vladimir Grudinin and Charles-Alexis Legault have reasonable projections to become depth defenders and Legault is already seeing NHL action. If either of those players can provide depth for the Canes on a consistent basis, it will be a major win.

Semyon Frolov has the tools to become a platoon starter in the NHL, with excellent athleticism and flexibility. If he can quiet his movements and play regularly while he develops, he could provide stability in goal.

Last season: 4

There is a long list of prospects that are slated to become NHL players in this system. Emmitt Finnie was not high on that list, but he made the Red Wings out of camp and looks every bit the part of an NHL player this season.

Axel Sandin Pelikka is already playing top-four minutes in an offensive role, and looks every but the part of a future offensive blue-line stud.

Carter Bear projects to become a Swiss Army knife forward with top-six scoring ability, and the type of guy you need to win in the playoffs. Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard are tracking to become middle-six forwards with two-way play as their main calling card.

In goal, the Red Wings have two quality prospects in Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa. Both are excellent, and in an ideal world, form the type of 1A/1B tandem that Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark rode to success for Boston. The Red Wings are headed in the right direction, as long as they continue to add young players that contribute to their lineup.

Last season: 6

The Wild have done a fantastic job stocking the prospect cupboard through the last five years despite being a consistent playoff participant. They draft for smarts, translatable skill sets and talent, and they are rewarded for it.

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Zeev Buium is already an NHL defender, power-play quarterback and there is plenty of room for growth. He’s on track to become a top-pairing, offensive dynamo. Jesper Wallstedt barely makes the age cutoff, but he’s one of the best goalie prospects and has potential to be a platoon starter right now.

Up front, the Wild are loaded with talent including NHL-ready talent in Danila Yurov and Liam Ohgren, who will contribute in the middle six as complementary pieces. Ryder Ritchie, Riley Heidt and Hunter Haight all have middle-six NHL projections with complementary scoring upside.

Caeden Bankier and Adam Benak are longer shots to become NHL players, but the toolbox is there for both of them with elongated development. Defensively, David Jiricek no longer qualifies for inclusion here due to games played, but should be a middle-paring defender, and is worth mentioning. Carson Lambos and Aron Kiviharju are longer shots to become NHL defenders, but if they hit, they are top-four offensive catalysts and all you need is one of them to complement Zeev Buium and the blue line starts to look elite.

Last season: 11

There are a lot of young, highly skilled forwards in the Kraken pipeline, which is exactly what their NHL lineup needs.

Jake O’Brien and Berkly Catton are on pace to become top-six offensive dynamos for the Kraken. Both possess high-end hockey sense and puck skill to execute plays that drive offense. It wouldn’t be surprising if both are on the top power-play unit as soon as next season.

Outside of those two, the Kraken have other forwards capable of filling middle-six roles and contributing offensively. Eduard Sale, Carson Rehkopf, Jani Nyman, Oskar Fisker Molgaard and Jagger Firkus all have potential to contribute in complementary offensive roles. Not all of them will get there, but two or three of them should.

Defensively, they lack a high-end prospect. Blake Fiddler, Caden Price and Lukas Dragicevic all have NHL potential, with Fiddler’s trajectory as a middle-pairing defender representing the Kraken’s best opportunity at an impact player. Price defends well by keeping players to the outside and exiting the zone with ease, which profiles him as a depth defender.

The Kraken have three goaltending prospects with NHL potential. Niklas Kokko is likely an NHL backup, while Kim Saarinen and Semyon Vyazovoi have platoon starter potential a few years down the road.

Last season: 2

The Blue Jackets land just outside the top 10 buoyed by high-value prospects at the top of the pool.

Cayden Lindstrom’s development has been marred by injury, but that has not altered his projection as a top-six forward who drives play with physical bite. Lindstrom is big, moves well, owns an excellent shot and should be an NHL contributor next season.

Jackson Smith is a well-rounded defender who should play top-four minutes and dictate play on both sides of the rink. If he continues to develop, there’s a chance he becomes a 60-point defender who shuts down the best players on other teams.

Stanislav Svozil and Charlie Elick have depth projections with an outside chance of middle-pairing minutes. Luca Del Bel Belluz, Owen Griffin and Luca Pinelli have third-line, complementary scoring potential.

In goal, Sergei Ivanov and Pyotr Andreyonov are a few years away, but both of them possess platoon-starter potential. The Blue Jackets have a well-rounded prospect pipeline with projectable players at every position.

Last season: 12

The Blues have a plethora of forwards who are likely to be impactful NHLers, and a few more who can win minutes in bottom-six roles.

Justin Carbonneau, Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky are going to score in the NHL. They have clear paths to top-six roles, with skill and hockey IQ to match. Otto Stenberg, Tomas Mrsic and Juraj Pekarcik all have relatively confident projections as NHL players in bottom-six roles, with potential to provide offense in third-line duty.

On the blue line, Adam Jiricek and Theo Lindstein could form a fun middle pairing that provides offense while locking it down defensively. Both are at least a year or two away, but the tools are there. Lukas Fischer and Colin Ralph have depth-pairing potential and bring two different skill sets. Fischer is more offensively calibrated, while Ralph is a physical menace who violently defends all over the ice. If two of the four play games for the Blues, that would be considered a win because there is no shortage of forwards expected to play.

Last season: 17

The Caps have four players projected to play impactful minutes for them in their prospect pipeline.

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Ryan Leonard is already an NHL player, and looks like the right fit in the Capitals’ top six, a spot he will occupy for the foreseeable future. Lynden Lakovic and Ilya Protas are on track to become middle-six players, with ceilings as second-line scoring wingers. Andrew Cristall and Terik Parascak are longer shots, because they need top-six minutes to contribute offensively. Their path to that is a tough one but remains viable.

In the bottom six, Milton Gastrin and Eriks Mateiko have confident projections to become checking, two-way forwards.

Cole Hutson is tracking to become a top-four defender in the NHL, and could step into the lineup at the end of his NCAA season. He’s brilliant with the puck, creating and facilitating offense in all situations. Ryan Chesley and Leon Muggli have a decent chance to become middle-of-the-lineup defenders if they can develop the puck skills, specifically Chesley’s retrievals and Muggli’s playmaking. They have projectable defensive qualities to become modern shutdown defenders.

Last season: 15

The Flames’ top two prospects are with the big club, and it appears they will remain there.

Zayne Parekh is a dynamic offensive defenseman who will be quarterbacking the Flames’ power play for years to come. He’s a brilliant skater with the puck skill to match, and has the potential to become one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL.

Samuel Honzek is currently playing middle-six minutes. He’s likely to be a long-term center in the middle six, who can contribute offensively.

The Flames have a plethora of forwards with middle-six scoring potential, including Cullen Potter, Matvei Gridin, Cole Reschny, Aydar Suniev and Andrew Basha. In the bottom six, Luke Misa and Jacob Battaglia have potential to provide reliable play with modest offensive contributions.

The two Henry’s — Brzustewicz and Mews — have the tools and potential to become bottom-pairing defenders, with Brzustewicz owning the higher ceiling for his two-way play. The Flames have a well-rounded prospect pool, but they lack a projectable top-six forward.

Last season: 18

The Flyers’ prospect pool has an identity, and that is tough to play against, physically imposing, low-risk players.

Porter Martone is the cream of the crop, and is one of the smartest prospects outside the NHL. There is little doubt he will become a top-six dual-threat forward, especially if his skating improves.

Jett Luchanko and Alex Bump project to become complementary, middle-six NHL players with secondary scoring capability. Denver Barkey, Shane Vansaghi, Jack Murtagh and Jack Nesbitt all have ceilings in the middle six, but are more likely to form an integral part of a bottom six that is physically punishing, relentless in puck pursuit and trusted to kill penalties.

On defense, Oliver Bonk is the Flyers’ best hope for a top-four defender who can play matchup minutes in a middle-pairing role. Carter Amico is a commanding presence who defends very well, kills plays in transition and is a nightmare to battle at the net front. If he continues to develop, he’s going to be a quality shutdown defender for the Flyers who plays big minutes.

If the prospect pipeline is any indicator, the Broad Street Bullies 2.0 Era is just around the corner.

Last season: 5

Quack, Quack, Quack, Mr. Ducksworth! The young Ducks have been the surprise of the NHL season thus far, and their young players are carrying them.

Beckett Sennecke leads the way, already providing value in the middle six and the potential to leap into a top-line role as he matures. Roger McQueen has the potential to be a unicorn in the NHL at the center ice position if he can stay healthy.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the Ducks are loaded with defensive prospects. Not only are they the best at developing defensemen, but they also have a lot of them. Ian Moore missed the cutoff for this list, but Stian Solberg, Tarin Smith, Tyson Hinds and Noah Warren all project to become middle or depth pair defenders. Damian Clara has shown potential to be an NHL backup in goal, something the Ducks could use behind Lukas Dostal.

Last season: 3

Ivan Demidov is special, and there is little doubt about his ability to become an NHL star. A top-line forward, offensive dynamo, get-you-out-of-your-seat kind of player.

Jacob Fowler is the other prospect in the Canadiens’ pipeline that projects to be a high-end NHL talent. Fowler is getting meaningful time in the AHL to develop into a starting goaltender, and has the talent to do so.

Outside of those two, the Canadiens have plenty of players who project to become middle-of-the-lineup players at their respective positions. David Reinbacher’s development has been marred by injury, but he has a path to being a second-pair, shutdown defender. Michael Hage and Alxander Zharovsky are reasonable bets to become offensive contributors in the middle six, while LJ Mooney is a longer shot, but the potential is there.

Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen and Hayden Paupanekis have paths to becoming bottom-six NHL players. Montreal has players in the pipeline to fill out the rest of the roster and are forging a path to a lengthy contention window.

Last season: 8

A few lottery picks go a long way to bolstering the prospect pipeline, and if all goes to plan, Chicago is set at center, defense and in goal.

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Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel are playing NHL minutes, and there is plenty of room for both players to develop into their roles as top-four defenseman. Much of Chicago’s prospect value is derived from the forward group which features five players projected to play more than 200 NHL games. Those players Oliver Moore, Sacha Boisvert, Vaclav Nestrasil, Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker. Add in the upside of Mason West, Nathan Behm and Roman Kantserov, and there is plenty to be excited about.

The crown jewel at forward is Anton Frondell, who is on track to become a high-end center in the NHL. Frondell is likely to be an NHL player as soon as next season, and should be immediately impactful.

Not every player is going to fit the way the Blackhawks want, but they’ve given themselves plenty of shots at the dart board to get it right with their forward group and defense core.

Last season: 9

The mountain of draft picks accumulated by the Arizona Coyotes is starting to come to fruition in the NHL, just in time for the Mammoth to have an owner who is deeply invested in Utah’s success.

There are quality prospects at every position, starting with Dmitriy Simashev on defense. He is an actual mammoth at 6-6, and has the potential to become a premier shutdown defender in the NHL.

Tij Iginla, Caleb Desnoyers and Daniil But all have floors as middle-six forwards, with Iginla and Desnoyers projected to become high-end, second line players. Maveric Lamoureux and Max Psenicka represent solid bottom-pair options with potential to play on the second pair.

Goaltender Michael Hrabel is off to a good start at UMass this season, and has the potential to be a platoon starter for the Mammoth after developing in the AHL. The Mammoth are well positioned to add young players to their lineup and be a perennial playoff team.

Last season: 26

Using three first-round picks in a single draft will naturally elevate your prospect pool value. Having one of those prospects break a Bobby Orr record and become a vital piece of the NHL blue line from the get-go is extra helpful.

Matthew Schaefer isn’t going to become an NHL star; he is one already. The question becomes: can he get to Cale Makar/Quinn Hughes territory? There is a distinct possibility that he does.

Victor Eklund and Cal Ritchie possess top-six scoring potential in the NHL, and could be ready for full-time roles next season. Add Cole Eiserman, Danny Nelson and Daniil Prokhorov to the mix in the middle six, and the Isles should be in business with a blend of size, scoring and two-way ability. That trio could be a future third line, truthfully.

On defense, Kashawn Aitcheson and Jesse Pulkkinen are clear front runners to play middle-pairing roles with the Isles. A blend of size, skill and physicality that could prove nightmarish to play against. Their ceilings are sky-high — albeit with high boom-or-bust potential — and if they both hit, the Isles are set on defense for the next decade.

Last season: 1

Given how many players were featured in the top 50 rankings, it should come as no surprise that the Baby Sharks make up the NHL’s top-ranked prospect pool.

Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson are already making an impact at the NHL level, and are more likely than not to become NHL stars.

Outside of those two promising young talents, the Sharks have forwards Quentin Musty and Igor Cherynshov off to great starts at the AHL level. Both of them have potential middle-six ability.

Goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen has platoon-starter potential, which may fit perfectly with Yaroslav Askarov. Notably, Askarov missed the cut off by a few months, or the Sharks would have topped this ranking in a landslide.

Other valuable players in the Sharks’ prospect pool include Cam Lund, Kasper Halttunen, Luca Cagnoni and Haoxi Wang. Not every player is going to be an NHL star, but the Sharks have done a fantastic job stockpiling players with high-end potential. They are going to be a very dangerous team for years to come.

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