NHL Pacific Division 2015-16 Offseason Rankings

San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19). Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Pacific Division #4 San Jose

In our rankings of the NHL Pacific Division, the San Jose Sharks were given the widest variance in predictions ranging from 2^nd to 7^th. In the end, this averages out to 4^th overall. When looking at their history and lineup, it is no wonder why this varied so much. Up until last season, the Sharks made it to the finals for the last 11 years. This past season is only the 6^th time that the Sharks did not make the playoffs in their 24-year history. Despite so much success, they have always come up short and have never made it past the Conference Finals.

"“If they are going to win, they need to do it now. They have the talented forwards to score, but they aren’t as young as they use to be. Only time will tell how the Martin Jones experiment in net will go, but it’s a major gamble the club has decided to take.” – Martin Strachan, Staff Writer"

In a season full of turmoil and inner tension, it became apparent that the Sharks were not making a push for the playoffs this past season, when the Sharks were quiet at the Trade Deadline. The changes would come in the offseason, beginning with coach Todd McLellan and the Sharks agreeing to part ways. They later brought in former New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer, who is a competent replacement. After letting Antti Niemi go to free agency, they traded for the young goaltender Martin Jones.

"“Still talented but their window is closed, I see the San Jose Sharks being early sellers and finally deciding that the future needs to start.  There are players on this team that will make impacts in the playoffs – just not for the Sharks.” – Adam Savard, Staff Writer"

Speculation still persists whether they will move one of their aging core players. With Joe Pavelski now 31 and Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton both 36 this season, it makes you wonder how they plan to transition in near future. They also added some quality, yet aging, players through free agency. Joel Ward (age 34) and Paul Martin (age 34). What direction they are going by adding more athletes in their twilight of their careers? One last big push?

"“They have the talented young players in place to avoid a total rebuild, but aging veterans and adjusting to new coaching will slow things down for the Sharks a bit.” – Jason Feddema, Staff Writer"

Of course, they do have plenty of younger players with Logan Couture leading the way offensively. If everything goes right for them, they may turn things around quickly and make a good playoff run. What will likely slow the Sharks down the most this season is adjusting to a new coach after 7 years.

Next: This Team Will Stay Put in 3rd