San Jose Sharks' Preseason Lineup Storylines to Watch – Hockey Writers – San Jose Sharks

Now that the San Jose Sharks are gearing up for the season, the team's new roster is more visible than ever. An interesting mix of veterans and young players who should either be a part of the opening night program or reach the NHL soon will make them a very interesting team. But before that point is reached, the preseason will still provide several interesting narratives up and down the roster to help determine how the Sharks will look at the start of the regular season, and possibly beyond. Here's one title to watch from each team as the Sharks continue their exhibition games.

Next: Which Veterans Pair With Which Young Players?

San Jose's forward lineup features an interesting mix of veteran players and highly touted prospects. Skaters like newly acquired Tyler Toffoli and reigning Sharks point leader Mikael Granlund provide the necessary balance to former top draft picks Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. With so many forwards likely to make their NHL debut or get their first NHL run this season, the coaching staff must carefully consider which veterans serve as their teammates, and the task of determining whether the details have already begun.

Throughout the preseason, the Sharks may mix and match various veterans and youngsters on various lines. The experiment got off to a good start in their preseason loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, where Celebrini scored a goal and assisted Toffoli on another.

The top lines may contain their top prospects, but there are veterans and young forwards throughout the program, so all four lines will be worth keeping an eye on. Young players will obviously benefit from a good start to their games, and meeting the right teammates can play a big part in that. If Celebrini, Smith and others play as expected this season, we may look back on their work with the experienced players in this team as a starting point.

Defenders: Are Any Prospects Forced to Enter the Program?

The blue line is the most ridiculous team for the Sharks and offers a great opportunity for unexpected turns of events. This can be seen in the form of a young defenseman having such a good preseason that he gives managers no choice but to put him in the NHL for opening night.

Related: Shark Trade in Ceci Shows Their Defense Is Still a Work in Progress

San Jose's defense is still not fully prepared for the start of the season. A few guys will be regular parts of the rotation, but a few spots feel open. There is room for a young person to join the bottom pair, or at least become the seventh defender. The Sharks faced a similar problem last season in their previous draft when William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau had excellent seasons and forced the coaching staff and front office. The forward group may be too crowded for that to happen again this season, but it may shift to the blue line instead.

A few defensemen stand out as potential options for a surprise roster spot. Shakir Mukhamadullin would be the leading candidate if healthy, given his short NHL time last season and his status as a top prospect. Sam Dickinson and Luca Cagnoni are unlikely due to their youth and the fact that they have never played in the American Hockey League (AHL), but both deserve at least a look. All of their games will go a long way in determining their places within the Sharks organization, and one of them may rise even higher than expected.

Goalkeepers: When Did Yaroslav Askarov Make The Leap?

Despite being San Jose's biggest acquisition of the offseason, Yaroslav Askarov begins the season as the team's number three goaltender. Veterans Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek lead the way, and with one of the two likely to be on the team after this season, they deserve a chance to prove themselves worthy of a new contract. Askarov will likely open the campaign in the AHL, but he will get an NHL look at some point this season, and the preseason could help determine how soon that time comes.

If Askarov shakes off the lower-body injury that has sidelined him day-to-day and plays well in exhibition tournaments, he could show his NHL readiness and be able to accelerate his timeline. Depending on whether Blackwood and Vanecek succeed or struggle, they could delay or accelerate Askarov's move to the NHL, or increase the chances of a trade to open up a spot for the 22-year-old.

The Sharks have spent several seasons searching for their goalie of the future, and Askarov is the closest to this title. The games ahead of the regular season will be the first indication of when that future might begin.

Sharks Preseason Games Hold Meaning

Preseason games are often seen as unimportant or not worth watching. That is not true for the Sharks this season. With a large number of young players, new signings and a new coach, they can use the preseason to start what could be a difficult season on the right note. They have a lot about their team that still needs to be decided, and those questions are all over their schedule. The games may not be counted in the standings, but that can be a great opportunity to try many different combinations and put all the players in the best positions to win.