The San Jose Sharks have made significant changes to their roster during the 2025 NHL off-season, but are they done?
According to Sharks general manager Mike Grier, most likely. The Sharks GM’s top priority this summer was overhauling the defense. He has one that in droves, and even had to trade Henry Thrun to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I would say we probably are finished, but I guess you never know,” Grier said. “If there’s a trade scenario that pops up as we go along here, and something that’s enticing, then we’ll definitely look into it.”
Grier: “We are probably finished, but you never know.” #SJSharks— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) July 11, 2025
Grier also referenced the move during the 2024 off-season, in which the San Jose Sharks acquired their future No. 1 goalie, Yaroslav Askarov.
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The Sharks added many veterans this summer, including those with Stanley Cup pedigree. John Klingberg played in the 2025 Stanley Cup final with the Oilers. Jeff Skinner got his first taste of the postseason with a run to the final with Edmonton as well.
Nick Leddy won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013. Dmitry Orlov won with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
Despite all the additions, the Sharks still aren’t viewed as a playoff team just yet. There is an internal expectation to play meaningful games late in the regular season. Grier told reporters that it’s time to start winning games and transition the rebuild into a build.
The Sharks’ winning more games starts with the kids taking a step
The other part of Grier’s vision for the San Jose Sharks’ 2025 roster is to allow the top prospects a chance to play. Macklin Celebrini will enter as the top center. Will Smith will get an opportunity to be the No. 2 center. And Sam Dickinson has impressed to the point that Grier made a trade not to block his chances at making the NHL out of training camp.
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“We looked at the guys we brought in and just looked at the year that Shakir [Mukhamadullin] had and the year that Sam [Dickinson] had,” Grier said. “Even [how Sam] looked at development camp, even though it’s just a short three days. He looks like he’s someone who’s going to be ready at least to be pushed for this opportunity.”
Celebrini’s tremendous rookie season, with 25 goals and 38 assists in 70 games, had him finish third in Calder voting. While that is wonderful, for the Sharks to be a better team, his play needs to reach another level.
The 2024 No. 1 pick is expected to be the franchise’s centerpiece. His work ethic this summer proves he’s ready to take another step forward in his development.
Fellow prospects like Igor Chernyshov, Filip Bystedt, and Quentin Musty are all players who could play for the Sharks, but start with the San Jose Barracuda.
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The full NHL regular season schedule will be released on Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT.
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