2017-18 record: 45-27-10 (100 points)
Lost to Vegas in Conference semifinals
Captain: Joe Pavelski
The San Jose Sharks have often been viewed as a perennial team that seems to be missing a piece or two. In the middle of last season, it was thought to be Evander Kane, which resulted in a second round elimination to Vegas. This season, there is hype that hasn't been seen since Joe Thornton was acquired in the middle of the 2005-06 season, with a generational talent on the blue line now in the fold. Still, in a stacked Western Conference, it will still be a tough go for the Sharks this season.
The Sharks were near the top 10 in both offense and defense, which indicates that the team isn't far off. Even with a Joe Thornton that is near the end of the line, the Sharks are now led by Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, and Kane up front. Their depth up front took a hit, but it was to fortify a blue line that is now one of the best on paper. Besides extending Couture, the Sharks made the big move of the off-season, as they traded a pretty package to get Erik Karlsson from Ottawa. Now, it no longer needs to be Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic as a pairing if the Sharks choose, as Burns and Karlsson can be put on different pairings to jumpstart an offense. Depth on the blue line has never been better, and it may need to compensate a little for the front lines. In goal, reliable Martin Jones returns, as does Aaron Dell.
Prediction: 1st in the Pacific Division
The Sharks instantly put themselves into Stanley Cup discussion with the acquisition of Karlsson. Whether or not the pieces will work together is a question worth noting, particularly with Peter DeBoer as head coach.
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