Sharks weighing fit versus talent around Macklin Celebrini core

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) and center Will Smith (2) at San Jose

Most rebuilding teams draft based strictly on upside. The Sharks are no longer operating in that space.

Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund already form one of the NHL’s best under-23 cores. San Jose finished second in league-wide scoring contributions from players aged 23 or younger.

That changes the urgency around defensive structure.

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The Sharks still allowed goals at an alarming rate and finished with one of the NHL’s weakest penalty kills. Their blue line lacks a true anchor capable of handling heavy minutes in all situations. That is why many around the league believe San Jose should prioritize defense over another elite forward.

Whitney acknowledged that possibility too, saying the Sharks could justify taking a defenseman if they project as a “Chris Pronger-style” cornerstone capable of playing 25 minutes a night.

Free agency may shape the draft decision

San Jose’s cap flexibility adds another layer to the equation, since they will have $41.5 million in cap space for the next season.

One of Spittin’ Chiclets hosts, Mike Grinnell, suggested the Sharks could aggressively pursue Rasmus Andersson this summer. The fit makes sense. San Jose has massive cap space and very few long-term commitments outside its young core.

“They have $40 million in cap space next year, $82 million the year after that,” Grinnell said. “They still have to sign Will and Mack, but you go sign him, maybe pair him with [Sam] Dickinson, that kid they got 11th overall a few years ago who played in London.”

If the Sharks believe Andersson is attainable, selecting Stenberg at No. 2 becomes easier. A Celebrini-Stenberg-Smith offensive nucleus would immediately become one of hockey’s most dangerous young groups.

But relying on free agency to fix a defense can be risky. Elite defensemen rarely hit the market in their prime, and rebuilding teams often overpay for stability.

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The smarter long-term play may still be drafting the best defenseman available and building a complete structure around Celebrini instead of simply maximizing offense. The Sharks already have star power. The next step is creating a roster capable of surviving playoff hockey.