Pacific Division predictions - the "way too early" edition

Here we go again - right on the cusp of another NHL season, and another season of Oilers hockey. I don't know about you but I'm really looking to this season. A lot of pieces are in place for a Cup win - a top six forward group amongst the best in the league, depth players who are fantastic, especially a third line that is the envy of many teams, a D corps with a quality top pairing and depth that just might surprise this season, prospects that are right on the cusp of making the team either now or later on in the season, and this time no question marks about the goaltending.

Edmonton Oilers center Derek Ryan (10) shoots against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (60)
Edmonton Oilers center Derek Ryan (10) shoots against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (60) | Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images
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8. San Jose Sharks

Now we get to the basement of the division. The Sharks were not just the worst team in the division but the worst team in the league and I don't expect that to change this upcoming season.

The upside is they got to draft Macklin Celebrini, a player that's being touted as just short of a generational player. Will Smith, who was drafted the year prior, is also going to be key to the Sharks future. I hope they do at least some damage this season as I have both of them on my fantasy hockey team. :) That'll be a great 1-2 punch at center once they're both developed. William Eklund has also made his way up to the top, as has Fabian Zetterlund. They convinced Tyler Toffoli to sign there, which is a great veteran coup. Klim Kostin-Alex Wennberg-Luke Kunin is a pretty good third line albeit an expensive one as it's going to cost $10 million a season.

No defender is signed past the 2025-26 season, at least for the moment. Marc-Edourd Vlasic's contract is up mercifully after next season, while Cody Ceci will likely be a decent trade chip for them at the deadline. Matt Benning has been playing in the top four for awhile now, and Jan Rutta is veteran support for the bottom pairing. Mario Ferraro, Henry Thrun, and Jake Walman are all key to the future of the D for the Sharks.

The goaltending duo is slated to be two outcasts in Vitek Vanacek and Mackenzie Blackwood. Honestly, these two have underperformed for years so it's probably best for both of them to be in an NHL outpost where there's no pressure to win and no expectations. If one of them can resurrect their careers on this team, they'll be able to write their own ticket in terms of where they go next.

Keep rebuilding. Not much more to say.

Schedule