In Episode 180, Paul and Aaron wrap up the 2022-23 San Jose Sharks season by reviewing the final games, discussing player exit interviews, and looking ahead to a critical off-season.
Season Finale and “The Tank”
The Sharks concluded their season with a series of losses that secured them a top selection in the upcoming draft.
- The Final Record: The hosts noted the team finished with one of the worst records in franchise history, which was the goal for many fans eyeing the draft lottery.
- Competitive Spirits: Despite the losses, Paul and Aaron pointed out that the team remained competitive in many games, often losing by just one goal or in overtime.
- Draft Lottery Odds: With the season officially over, the focus shifted entirely to the draft lottery and the 9.5% chance of landing the first overall pick.
Exit Interview Highlights
The hosts broke down key quotes from the players and coaching staff as they cleared out their lockers.
- Logan Couture’s Leadership: The captain expressed frustration with the losing but remained committed to the rebuilding process and helping the younger players develop.
- Tomas Hertl’s Perspective: Hertl admitted the season was mentally draining but voiced support for General Manager Mike Grier’s long-term vision.
- Erik Karlsson’s Future: Following his historic 101-point season, Karlsson was non-committal about his future in San Jose, sparking intense trade speculation from the hosts.
The David Quinn Era: Year One
Paul and Aaron evaluated David Quinn’s first year as head coach.
- Culture Shift: The hosts agreed that Quinn successfully changed the “work ethic” in the locker room, even if it didn’t translate to many wins.
- Accountability: Quinn was praised for holding veteran players accountable and not being afraid to bench anyone who wasn’t performing.
Off-Season Priorities
The conversation turned to what Mike Grier needs to accomplish before the next training camp.
- The Draft: Identifying elite talent at the top of the draft is the number one priority to build a new core.
- Goalie Search: The hosts emphasized the desperate need for a consistent starting goaltender, as the tandem of James Reimer and Kaapo Kähkönen struggled behind a weak defense.
- Salary Cap Management: With several large contracts still on the books, Grier’s ability to move salary will dictate how much he can reshape the roster.
