With the 2025 NHL playoffs underway, teams that missed out have already turned their focus to the offseason. For the San Jose Sharks, it’s all about continuing the rebuild and making the most of this summer’s draft.
The Sharks have gone about their rebuild the right way. They stripped things down, loaded up on draft picks, and now have a strong young core to build around. But there are a few key questions that need to be answered as they move forward.
One of the first decisions is what to do with their pending free agents—both unrestricted and restricted.
Pending Unrestricted Free Agents:
- Jan Rutta
- Alexandar Georgiev
Both players will likely hit the open market. With Yaroslav Askarov ready to step into a full-time NHL role, Georgiev’s time in San Jose is likely done.
Rutta can be replaced internally by Shakir Mukhamadullin or even Sam Dickinson, depending on how things shake out in camp.
Restricted Free Agents:
- Klim Kostin
- Nikolai Kovalenko
- Thomas Bordeleau
- Noah Gregor
- Jack Thompson
- Shakir Mukhamadullin
Most of this group is expected to be qualified. Gregor is the exception—he’s already gone unqualified once by the organization and could be again.
The biggest piece of the Sharks’ offseason is the 2025 NHL Draft. They currently hold nine picks: two firsts, two seconds, a third, two fourths, a fifth, and a seventh. Given where they are in the rebuild, GM Mike Grier could look to add even more by moving out a contract or two.
After finishing last in the NHL, San Jose will pick in the top three—meaning another franchise-changing player will join Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. They also own Edmonton’s first-rounder, which will fall in the back half. It’s another chance for their scouts to find a player who can grow with the core.
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Free agency will also be a tool. If Georgiev moves on, the Sharks will need a veteran goalie to support Askarov. A few names that could be of interest:
- Alex Lyon
- Anton Forsberg
- Dan Vladar
There’s always a chance they take a bigger swing on someone like Ilya Samsonov or Jake Allen, but that would cut into the workload Askarov needs. He should be getting 35-45 starts next season.
As for veteran skaters, San Jose may look to add experience to help take some of the pressure off the kids. A few names that could be on their radar:
- Mikael Granlund
- Nick Bjugstad
- Eric Robinson
- Matt Grzelcyk
- Justin Danforth
None are big names, but they’re the type of players who can provide structure and stability, which will help the young players. Granlund, in particular, was excellent for the Sharks before being dealt to Dallas. A one-year reunion could make sense—he gets the chance to play a big role, and the team gets another potential trade chip at the deadline.
Unless something unexpected happens, the Sharks won’t be pushing for a playoff spot next season. The focus remains on development, asset management, and laying the foundation. Grier has stuck to the plan so far—and there’s no reason to think that changes this summer.
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