Sharks' Season in Review: My Take on the 2025-26 Awards
The dust has settled on another San Jose Sharks season, and with it comes the annual awards. While the official selections are in, I wanted to share my personal voting for some of the key honors, offering a deeper dive into why certain players stood out to me. It's always fascinating to dissect these choices, as they often reveal more about a team's trajectory and individual player development than a simple win-loss record.
Player of the Year: The Celebrini Phenomenon
When it comes to Player of the Year, the choice for me was unequivocally Macklin Celebrini. Frankly, if the rules allowed, I would have voted for him three times over. His impact this season was nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering the immense pressure and expectations placed upon him. What makes Celebrini's season so remarkable is not just his offensive output, but the sheer maturity and poise he displayed. He carried a significant load, and yet, he consistently elevated his game, making difficult plays look effortless. It’s a rare quality to see in such a young player, and it speaks volumes about his future potential.
Beyond Celebrini, Alex Wennberg deserves significant praise. Personally, I think he's one of the most underrated defensive centers in the league. His ability to consistently log over 20 minutes a night, while also contributing offensively and being a stalwart in his own end, is a testament to his all-around game. Then there's Dmitry Orlov. Despite a few high-profile blunders late in the season – which, let's be honest, can happen to any defenseman – he was, in my opinion, the Sharks' most impactful blueliner. His puck-moving ability and defensive acumen were a significant upgrade, providing a stability that the team has frankly lacked from its top defensemen in prior years. It's easy to focus on the mistakes, but what really matters is the consistent positive impact, and Orlov provided that for the majority of the season. I also have to give a nod to Mario Ferraro, who, with a slightly reduced role, put together one of his most solid seasons. He was definitely in contention for that third spot on my ballot, showcasing a resilience and improved play that was encouraging to see.
Media Good Guy: Accountability in the Spotlight
The Media Good Guy award is always an interesting one, as it often goes to players who handle the often-grueling post-game media scrum with grace and honesty. My vote here went to Alex Nedeljkovic. While Mario Ferraro is a deserving three-time winner and a true professional, I found Nedeljkovic's post-game demeanor particularly impressive. Goalies, by their very nature, often bear the brunt of a team's struggles, and Nedeljkovic consistently faced the music with candor and accountability. It’s a tough job, and he did it exceptionally well.
What makes this award particularly fascinating is the pressure it puts on players. They've just lost, they're exhausted, and yet they have to articulate their thoughts and feelings to the media. Nedeljkovic's willingness to do that, even after tough losses, speaks volumes about his leadership. I also want to give a special mention to Macklin Celebrini here. The media attention he received was unlike anything I've witnessed for a Sharks player, especially as his season gained momentum. Despite the constant barrage of questions, he remained accountable and incredibly patient. In retrospect, he probably deserved a higher spot on my ballot for his handling of that immense spotlight.
Rookie of the Year: A Goalie's Edge
For Rookie of the Year, the competition was between a solid group of players, but my vote ultimately went to Yaroslav Askarov. It was a season of ups and downs for both him and Sam Dickinson, but Askarov's impact as the team's primary goaltender gave him the edge. While players like Igor Chernyshov and Pavol Regenda showed flashes of brilliance, their consistency over the full season wasn't quite at the level of Askarov and Dickinson.
What really tipped the scales for me was Askarov's dominant stretch in November, where he posted an impressive record and a stellar save percentage. Dickinson, while a valuable defenseman, didn't quite reach those same individual heights. In my opinion, a goalie who can steal games and provide that level of consistent performance over a significant period often has a more profound impact on a team's success, even if their overall season is a bit of a rollercoaster.
Prospect of the Year: A Champion's Season
Finally, the Prospect of the Year award, which is decided by team hockey operations rather than the media, focuses on which prospect had the best season within their respective league. This year, the choice was clear: Eric Pohlkamp. It's hard to imagine a prospect having a better year than winning an NCAA championship and being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. His success in college hockey is a strong indicator of his readiness for the professional ranks and speaks to his exceptional talent and drive. What this award highlights is the importance of development pathways and recognizing players who not only perform well but achieve significant milestones in their journey.
