Sharks Search for Calm in Choppy Waters

     The San Jose Sharks have waded into the 2025–26 NHL season in a murky patch, entering the week with an 0-1-2 record and still searching for their first victory. It’s not the start fans hoped for, but for a team deep in a rebuild, the story is less about the standings and more about progress, patience, and what lessons can be drawn from an uneven opening stretch. Through their first three games, San Jose has struggled to generate sustained offense, posting a concerning 29 percent Corsi For rating at five-on-five play, meaning for every three shot attempts they’ve had, opponents have launched seven. That imbalance has exposed defensive gaps and shaky puck control that remain the Sharks’ biggest hurdle. Their 7-6 overtime loss to Anaheim revealed flashes of grit and offensive fight, while the 5-1 defeat to Carolina underscored just how far they still have to go in establishing consistency.

The team’s youthful foundation, however, gives reason for optimism. The Sharks’ rebuild centers around high-upside players like Macklin Celebrini and the newly arriving Michael Misa, the 2025 second overall draft pick, who is expected to make his NHL debut after lighting up the Ontario Hockey League with 134 points in 65 games. His presence alongside Philipp Kurashev and Ty Dellandrea on the second line symbolizes a forward-looking approach that prioritizes growth over short-term wins. This roster, guided by new energy and an acceptance of its developmental phase, is designed to weather turbulence while building chemistry and identity.

Still, improvement must come quickly in several areas. San Jose’s five-on-five structure remains fragile, with opponents dictating possession far too easily. Goaltenders are being left exposed to high-danger chances, and the team’s zone exits have been erratic, leading to sustained defensive pressure. Veterans like Tyler Toffoli have emphasized staying calm and focused, reminding teammates that it’s only October and there’s no reason to panic. His voice of experience is crucial for younger players learning to handle adversity at the NHL level. Defenseman Ryan Ellis, acquired earlier this month, adds a steady veteran hand to a young blue line that needs stability and direction, and his leadership could prove vital as the team navigates its early frustrations.

Despite the rough start, there are encouraging signs. The Sharks’ willingness to give their top prospects significant ice time suggests that management is serious about accelerating the rebuild organically, not through shortcuts. Their overtime thriller in Anaheim, while a loss, showed offensive bite and resilience that had been missing in past seasons. The introduction of Misa into the lineup, combined with Celebrini’s already evident poise, could inject just enough spark to transform the tone around the locker room. The front office and coaching staff seem united in embracing short-term growing pains as the cost of long-term gain, focusing on incremental improvements rather than immediate results.

In the coming weeks, San Jose’s version of success won’t necessarily be measured by wins. It will hinge on whether they can tighten their defensive structure, control more of the puck, and compete harder in the final minutes of close games. For a franchise that’s spent years in transition, the key metric now is progress, visible, measurable, and consistent. If the Sharks can improve their shot share, limit defensive breakdowns, and see their young core begin to produce confidently, their first win will only be a matter of time. The 0-1-2 start is frustrating but far from defining. What matters is how they respond. The Sharks may still be swimming against the current, but if they can align their youth, leadership, and structure, there’s no reason this rough beginning can’t evolve into the foundation of something stronger. For a team learning to rebuild from the ocean floor up, resilience is not optional, it’s the only way forward.