The San Jose Sharks may have finally turned the page.
With franchise cornerstone Macklin Celebrini proving “he’s that dude” after a stellar rookie season, San Jose’s rebuild is now centered around four elite prospects: Celebrini, William Eklund, Will Smith and newly drafted Michael Misa, taken No. 2 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Celebrini, still just 19, already looks like a future captain. The former Boston University phenom logged 68 points in his first NHL campaign, showcasing the skating, IQ and compete level of a franchise cornerstone.
Eklund and Smith, both versatile forwards with strong two-way games, continue to develop into top-six mainstays. Eklund has emerged as a creative winger who fits well alongside Celebrini, while Smith brings puck control and vision down the middle.
Now add Misa to that core, and the Sharks’ future looks fast, skilled, and dangerous. Misa—who was granted exceptional status in the OHL at age 15—brings elite offensive instincts and deceptive speed. Though slightly undersized, his agility and playmaking should translate well at the NHL level. He’s a natural on the power play and projects as a top-line winger or dynamic pivot.
Misa’s presence gives the Sharks a four-headed monster up front, and with Celebrini leading the charge, San Jose finally has a nucleus worth building around.
The tanking days may soon be over in the Bay.
