Sharks Make a Statement in the Lottery

The Sharks took a meaningful step forward this season, climbing from 52 points to 86. That surge was powered largely by Macklin Celebrini’s breakout year. The 20‑year‑old center erupted for 45 goals and 115 points, finishing among the league’s top scorers and giving San Jose the kind of offensive centerpiece it hasn’t had since its contending years.

They still fell short of the postseason, but the way they played down the stretch told a different story. This wasn’t a team hanging on for draft odds. This was a group starting to look like it belonged in the mix again. With another top‑tier prospect on the way, the Sharks suddenly look less like a rebuilding team and more like one ready to rejoin the fight.

Who the Sharks Could Target at No. 2

Most early projections point toward Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg as the likely option at No. 2. Stenberg has spent the season jockeying with Penn State standout Gavin McKenna for the top spot in the class. McKenna is widely expected to go first, but Stenberg brings a polished, pro‑ready game that fits neatly into what San Jose is building.

Stenberg produced 11 goals and 22 assists in 43 games for Frolunda in the SHL, impressive numbers for a teenager playing against grown pros. He also delivered on the international stage, helping Sweden capture gold at the world juniors with 10 points in seven games. His blend of production, maturity, and big‑game presence makes him a natural fit for a team looking to take the next step.

What This Means for the Sharks’ Future

Landing the No. 2 pick gives San Jose something every rebuilding team covets: flexibility. They can draft a high‑end winger to ride shotgun with Celebrini for the next decade, explore trade possibilities if another club gets aggressive, or simply stay put and add another blue‑chip talent to a young core that’s finally starting to look dangerous.

Toronto will pick first, followed by San Jose, Vancouver, Chicago, and New York. But the team that walked out of the lottery feeling like it gained the most might be the one in teal. For a fan base that’s waited a long time for signs of real momentum, this jump gives the future a little more clarity and a lot more excitement.