The San Jose Sharks are no longer merely hoping for a turnaround; they are architecting a systemic overhaul. While the arrival of Macklin Celebrini has provided a foundational spark, the organization’s long-term trajectory now hinges on how they navigate the next two draft cycles and the immediate volatility of the free-agent market.
In a recent deep dive with San Jose Hockey Now, veteran hockey analyst Craig Button and former Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle dissected the precarious balance between patience and aggression. The conversation centered on a recurring franchise dilemma: whether to prioritize the “sure thing” offensive phenom or gamble on a franchise-altering defenseman to stabilize a porous blue line.
As the Sharks look toward the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the debate has already shifted to a high-stakes comparison between forward Gavin McKenna and defenseman Chase Reid. For Button, the decision isn’t just about talent, but about the specific type of scarcity the Sharks face as they attempt to climb back into contention in the Pacific Division.
The 2026 Blueprint: Reid vs. McKenna
The 2026 draft class is already generating significant noise, primarily due to the presence of Gavin McKenna, a forward whose offensive ceiling is viewed by many as generational. However, Craig Button suggests that if the Toronto Maple Leafs—or any team holding a top pick—were to pass on McKenna, the value of a defenseman like Chase Reid becomes an irresistible proposition for a rebuilding team like San Jose.
Button identifies Reid as his clear-cut top defenseman for the 2026 class, placing him above other highly touted prospects including Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, Alberts Smits, and Daxon Rudolph. The appeal of Reid lies in his ability to dictate the pace of the game from the back end, a trait that has historically been the hardest asset to acquire in the NHL.
The discussion also touched upon the nuances of the defensive pipeline, specifically the comparison between Ivar Stenberg and Caleb Malhotra. While Malhotra presents an intriguing profile that could fit the Sharks’ needs for size and stability, Button’s enthusiasm for Reid suggests a preference for a high-ceiling “anchor” who can log heavy minutes against elite competition.
To provide a clearer picture of the 2026 defensive landscape being discussed, the following table outlines the key prospects currently under the microscope:
| Prospect | Primary Appeal | Role Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Reid | Elite skating and puck distribution | Franchise No. 1 Defenseman |
| Keaton Verhoeff | Reliability and positional play | Top-4 Shutdown |
| Caleb Malhotra | Physicality and reach | Defensive Specialist |
| Ivar Stenberg | European development/IQ | Two-way Contributor |
Immediate Needs: The Darren Raddysh Factor
While the draft provides a long-term roadmap, Dan Boyle argues that the Sharks cannot afford to wait two years to fix their defensive transitions. Boyle highlighted Darren Raddysh as a primary target for the Sharks in the upcoming free-agency window. Raddysh, known for his mobility and ability to trigger the rush, represents the type of “bridge” player who can provide immediate stability while the youth core matures.
Boyle’s endorsement of Raddysh comes amid a broader analysis of the current Norris Trophy landscape. While Boyle noted his admiration for Quinn Hughes’ dominance and expressed no issue with Evan Bouchard being passed over in recent voting, he emphasized that the Sharks need a similar—albeit more attainable—version of that puck-moving capability. Signing a veteran like Raddysh would allow the Sharks to transition from a team that simply survives the defensive zone to one that can effectively exit it.
High-Stakes Speculation and the Werenski Question
The conversation naturally drifted toward the “nuclear options” available to San Jose. Given their stockpile of assets and high draft capital, the possibility of trading the No. 2 overall pick for an established NHL star is a recurring theme in Sharks circles. One name that surfaced was Columbus Blue Jackets standout Zach Werenski.
Trading a top-two pick for a defenseman of Werenski’s caliber would be a massive gamble, sacrificing the potential of a rookie phenom for a proven commodity in his prime. While such a move would accelerate the rebuild by several years, it carries the inherent risk of overpaying for a player who may not fit the long-term chemistry of the locker room.
On the more speculative end of the spectrum, the group addressed the persistent rumors regarding superstars like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews potentially landing in San Jose. While these scenarios remain firmly in the realm of fantasy, they underscore the league-wide perception that the Sharks are currently the most flexible team in the NHL regarding cap space and asset accumulation.
The Organizational Impact
The stakes of these decisions extend beyond the ice. The Sharks are currently operating under a new regime, with the influence of management decisions—such as those surrounding former GM John Chayka—still echoing through the organization. The focus has now shifted to empowering the current leadership to make aggressive moves that maximize the window of Macklin Celebrini’s early career.
Whether it is pursuing a veteran like Raddysh to stabilize the present or targeting a prospect like Chase Reid to secure the future, the Sharks are navigating a delicate transition. The objective is clear: move from a state of perpetual rebuilding to a state of sustainable competitiveness.
The next official checkpoint for the Sharks’ roster construction will be the opening of the NHL free-agency period, where the team’s appetite for veteran defensive help will be put to the test. Following that, the focus will shift to the draft floor, where the organization must decide if they value the immediate impact of a trade or the long-term ceiling of a top-two pick.
Do you think the Sharks should prioritize a franchise defenseman like Chase Reid or a generational talent like Gavin McKenna? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this story with fellow fans.
