The San Jose Sharks are heading into a crucial week as January comes to a close, carrying positive momentum from a solid win against the New York Rangers. Here's a breakdown of the key storylines and their schedule for the week of January 26th to February 2nd, 2026.

Macklin Celebrini's Star Turn

Macklin Celebrini continues to be a dominant force and a major focus for the Sharks. Fresh off being named one of the NHL's "3 Stars of the Month" for December, the sophomore sensation scored twice in the 3-1 victory against the Rangers on Friday, January 23rd. His outstanding performance has solidified his spot on Team Canada's 2026 Olympic roster, which is a rare achievement for a player of his age. All eyes will be on Celebrini as he continues to drive the Sharks' offense as they head north. Some observers say that Celebrini has already established himself as one of the most electric and skilled players on the team.

Will Smith & The “Youth Movement” Success

While Celebrini often grabs the spotlight, fellow young gun Will Smith has been quietly making a significant impact, accumulating points and contributing to the team's success. Smith recorded two assists in the same victory against New York. The chemistry developing within the Sharks' young core is translating into wins, with the team achieving a 3-2-0 record in their last five games. Smith's development has been noteworthy, especially his offensive capabilities and playmaking.

New Acquisitions & Trade Deadline Chatter

General Manager Mike Grier has been proactive ahead of the March 6th trade deadline. Recently, the Sharks acquired forward Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks on January 19th and goaltender Laurent Brossoit on January 8th. There is speculation regarding whether the Sharks will trade pending free agents for additional assets or retain them to provide support for the young core. Grier has expressed his desire to keep competitive players around Celebrini and Smith, but rumors persist about potential trades involving veteran forwards.

The “Western Canada” Gauntlet

The Sharks are set to face a physically demanding week with a road trip through Western Canada. They will face three tough opponents - the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames - in five days. This road trip will be a significant test for the team's improved defense and goaltending. The Sharks will face the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, January 27th, at 7:00 PM PST at Rogers Arena.