The San Jose Sharks are making waves as they head into the final week of December 2025, defying expectations and sparking excitement among fans. Here's a look at the key storylines surrounding the team:
Macklin Celebrini's Art Ross Chase
The sophomore season of Macklin Celebrini is exceeding all expectations. The 19-year-old center is currently third in the NHL scoring race with 57 points, trailing only Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Celebrini is riding a seven-game point streak, racking up five goals and nine assists. On December 28th, Celebrini had a goal and an assist in a 6-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks. His performance has fueled discussions about a potential spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL entry draft, Celebrini quickly made his mark, becoming the youngest player in Sharks history with a three-point game.
Playoff Push
The San Jose Sharks, with a record of 18-17-3, are in contention for a Western Conference Wild Card spot. This marks a significant change from their rebuilding phase in previous seasons. The team is building on the momentum from their "Miracle in Pittsburgh" win on December 13th, where they overcame a 5-1 third-period deficit to win in overtime. With every point being crucial, the Sharks are determined to secure a playoff berth.
Injury Concerns
The Sharks are facing injury challenges. Forward Will Smith is out with an upper-body injury sustained in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Smith has 12 goals and 29 points through 33 games this season. Coach Ryan Warsofsky noted that Smith is "making steps daily to getting better" but will be re-evaluated in the new year. Philipp Kurashev, Timothy Liljegren and Vincent Desharnais are also dealing with upper-body injuries.
Michael Misa at the World Juniors
Michael Misa, drafted second overall by the Sharks in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been loaned to Team Canada for the 2026 World Junior Championship. Misa is playing on the top line, providing Sharks fans with a preview of the team's future. Prior to the tournament, Misa had a rocky start to his NHL season, with one goal and three points in seven appearances with the Sharks. He was also placed on long-term injured reserve and sent to the AHL San Jose for a conditioning stint.
Sharks Schedule
Here's a look at the Sharks' schedule for the week of December 29 – January 4:
- December 29: TBD vs. Los Angeles Kings
- December 31: TBD vs. Edmonton Oilers
- January 2: TBD at Calgary Flames
- January 4: TBD at Vancouver Canucks
As the Sharks navigate through a congested schedule and deal with injuries, the performance of Celebrini and the development of Misa remain key storylines to watch.
