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The San Jose Sharks took a significant step forward in 2025-26, but it wasn’t quite enough to break a long playoff drought that has now reached seven seasons.
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Still, the team went from a 20-win, dead last finish in 2024-25 to competing for a Stanley Cup Playoff berth right until the bitter end this year, so by all accounts, the campaign was a success.
One of the reasons the Sharks were so much better this season — besides a historic 115-point showing from superstar Macklin Celebrini — was a revamped defensive unit; general manager Mike Grier brought in veterans Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg in free agency, which made a significant positive impact.
Expectations will be even higher in 2026-27 after San Jose won 39 games and finished just four points out of a playoff spot, and as hockey insider David Pagnotta reported late last week, management is looking to make the blue line even better this summer.
“They’re going to look to focus on D, and regroup that D-core,” Pagnotta said on a recent episode of Daily Faceoff’s DFO Rundown Insider Edition.
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It’s obvious that the blue line is going to look a lot different in the fall, as four everyday players will be unrestricted free agents on July 1 — Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Mario Ferraro and Vincent Desharnais.
The only defensemen under contract for next season are Orlov, Shakir Mukhamadullin and Sam Dickinson, and it’s likely that that trio will all be back.
“They want a veteran piece that’s controllable,” Pagnotta continued, while pointing to a player like New Jersey Devils’ Dougie Hamilton or Toronto Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly.
“They also want somebody in his early to mid 20, also controllable, that’s going to help grow with this young core as well. A veteran guy and a young piece, maybe another on that blue line, but they are definitely going to focus on the D-core and revamping it for next season.”
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With more than $41 million in salary cap flexibility, and a definite need for upgrades and depth in San Jose, it could be another busy summer for Grier and the front office.
Related: 2 early Sharks trade targets after missing 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs