In a special crossover event, Paul and Aaron of The Fin Factor joined Brodie Brazil for a segment of “Fans Around the Bay.” Looking back on a transformative 2024-25 season, the group discussed the evolution of the San Jose Sharks from “last place by a mile” to a team defined by hope, competitive fire, and a burgeoning young core.
Quantifying Progress: Beyond the Win-Loss Record
While the Sharks finished the season at the bottom of the standings, the hosts emphasized that this year felt fundamentally different from the previous one.
- Competitive Consistency: Aaron noted that while the Sharks were out of most games last year, they were competitive in nearly every contest this season, often fighting back from multi-goal deficits.
- The “Close Game” Metric: The team played approximately 31 to 32 “close games” (decided by one goal or two if an empty-netter was involved).
- The Path Forward: The goal for 2025-26 is simple: turn half of those close losses into wins, which would instantly add 30 points to the standings.
The “Nucleus” and the Veteran Support System
The conversation inevitably turned to the future faces of the franchise, though the hosts pointed out that team success requires more than just high-end rookie talent.
- The Core: Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith remain the focal points, with William Eklund solidifying his place as a key dynamic piece of the forward group.
- Macklin Celebrini’s Heavy Minutes: Despite a minus-31 rating, the hosts noted this was skewed by empty-net goals and actually served as a sign of the coaching staff’s immense trust in the young star.
- Building Around the Stars: Paul highlighted the importance of veteran presence, citing Tyler Toffoli’s four-year commitment as proof that experienced players now “see the light” and believe in the Sharks’ long-term vision.
Shore Up the Back End: Defense & Yaroslav Askarov
Both Paul and Aaron agreed that the primary focus for the 2025 offseason must be “tightening things up without the puck”.
- Team Defense: Improving defensive gaps and reducing high-danger chances is considered the missing piece to turning one-goal losses into wins.
- The Askarov Era: After a promising taste of NHL action this year, Yaroslav Askarov is expected to be a major part of the solution.
- A Veteran Tandem: To protect Askarov’s development, the hosts suggest Mike Grier pursue a veteran “1B” goalie in free agency, someone who can handle the mental and physical load for a week or two at a time when the young netminder needs a break.
A “Bubble Team” by 2026?
The episode ended with a bold “line in the sand” for next season. With another year of experience for the Eklund-Celebrini-Smith trio and strategic veteran additions in free agency, the hosts expect the Sharks to be a legitimate playoff bubble team as soon as next year.
