.jpg)
2 hours ago
2
The San Jose Sharks enter the 2025–26 NHL season with some optimism, centered on youth, development, and figuring out who is part of the future. After several rebuilding years, the organization now looks to take a step forward, led by budding stars like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund. The Sharks’ schedule, full of early challenges and long homestands, offers the chance to measure progress against the league’s best.
Early home comfort
The season begins with a promising stretch at SAP Center, where the Sharks host Vegas, Anaheim, and Carolina in front of their home fans. It’s a chance to set the tone before heading out on their first extended trip. The Sharks will need to capitalize early, especially with divisional matchups like the Golden Knights and Ducks testing their readiness from the start.
Road reality check
Immediately after the home opener, San Jose hits the road for a demanding East Coast swing through New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota. The trip serves as an early gauge for the young roster’s resilience. Returning home to face Los Angeles and Colorado gives the team a chance to reset before diving into the grind of November.
Building momentum through November
The middle of the fall brings balance, with marquee matchups against teams like Seattle, Calgary, and Vancouver. The Sharks’ Pacific Division contests will define their playoff aspirations, as every point within the division carries weight. Late in the month, back-to-back games against Vancouver and Vegas could provide a momentum boost heading into winter.
Winter challenges and opportunities
December features one of San Jose’s longest road trips, spanning Dallas, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Pittsburgh. It’s a stretch that could test their endurance before a welcome home run capped by the traditional New Year’s Eve matchup at SAP Center. If the Sharks’ young core can stay consistent, this midseason stretch could prove pivotal.
Home ice advantage in the New Year
January is packed with home games, offering a chance for the Sharks to build stability. Contests against Tampa Bay, Vegas, and Dallas headline the slate. The schedule lightens briefly in February due to the Olympic break, but before that pause, San Jose will test itself in Chicago and Colorado.
MORE: Mathew Barzal and Islanders 2025–26 schedule breakdown
The final push
Post-Olympics, the Sharks play frequent homestands against playoff-caliber teams, including Edmonton, Toronto, and St. Louis. The late-March to early-April schedule offers extended time in San Jose, a prime opportunity for the Sharks to find rhythm and end strong. With six of their final eight games at home, including matchups with Nashville and Vancouver, fans will have every reason to rally behind the “Future is Teal.”
A season of growth
The 2025–26 season is not only about wins and losses for the Sharks, it’s about direction. With Celebrini emerging as a leader, Smith and Eklund finding their stride, and a schedule that balances home opportunities with testing road trips, San Jose’s focus is clear: keep moving forward. The road to contention starts here, one step at a time, in teal.
MORE NHL News:
- Mathew Barzal and Islanders 2025–26 schedule breakdown
- The Journey begins again: Penguins face fire, ice, and destiny in 2025–26
- Elias Pettersson leads the charge as Canucks aim to light up Rogers Arena in 2025–26
- Clayton Keller poised to lead Utah Mammoth into first full season with new identity
- Ryan Huska and the Flames set their sights on 2025-26: A season to ignite Calgary
- Mike Sullivan brings championship pedigree as Rangers begin 2025-26 at Madison Square Garden
English (US)