San Jose used five different goalies who each made at least five starts last season, with Yaroslav Askarov emerging as a candidate for the majority of starts after going 4-6-2 in 13 games with an .896 save percentage and 3.10 goals-against average. Askarov posted a perfect long-range save percentage (59-for-59) and ranked above league average in high-danger (.814) and midrange (.892) save percentages. The Sharks allowed 31.8 shots per game and lost 15 one-goal regulation games. Rookie contributions were significant, and Will Smith showcased elite shot speed and strong chemistry with top linemates.
Askarov's long-range save percentage last season was perfect (59 shots faced, 59 saves); he was the only goalie in the League who faced at least 50 long-range shots without allowing a goal. Askarov, who was also above the NHL average in both high-danger save percentage (.814; average: .803) and midrange save percentage (.892; average: 887), could also benefit from the Sharks additions this offseason in veteran defensemen Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg and Nick Leddy.
The Sharks led the League in goals (61), assists (98) and points (159) by rookies last season. Forward Will Smith, one of Celebrini's most-frequent linemates last season, also ranked highly among rookies in goals (18; sixth), assists (27; fourth) and points (45; fourth). Celebrini and Smith factored on the same goal 18 times, including 10 third-period goals and seven power-play goals. Smith, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, showcased an electric shot in his first NHL season.
The Sharks were the only NHL team last season to have five different goalies make at least five starts (Alexandar Georgiev, Mackenzie Blackwood, Vitek Vanecek, Yaroslav Askarov, Georgi Romanov). The Sharks allowed 31.8 shots on goal per game last season, the second-most in the NHL behind only the Anaheim Ducks (32.3). San Jose lost 15 one-goal games in regulation last season, four more than any other team in the League.
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