Scouts on Sharks’ Revamped Defense: “Significantly Improved”

The San Jose Sharks have re-made their defense. But how much better than before is it? San Jose Hockey Now [...] The post Scouts on Sharks’ Revamped Defense: “Significantly Improved” appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.

The San Jose Sharks have re-made their defense. But how much better than before is it? San Jose Hockey Now spoke with four NHL scouts, none with the Sharks, for their assessment.

Do they think the Sharks have a playoff-caliber blueline now? So far this summer, the San Jose Sharks have signed Jacob Trouba to a four-year, $33 million pact. They also traded for Darnell Nurse, sending out defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect Zack Sharp, and Michael Kesselring (and 2026 draft’s No. 27 pick), sending out the No. 20.

They’re adding this trio to incumbents Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson. Prospects Luca Cagnoni, Eric Pohlkamp, and Nolan Allan are also waiting in the wings. Realistically, the Sharks could also add another veteran depth defenseman to this mix.

So how much better is this blueline, considered around the league, for years, to be one of the worst in the NHL? “It’s a big improvement compared to last year,” Scout No. 1 said. “Closer to average.”

“Significantly improved,” Scout No. 2 said. Good enough for the playoffs? The San Jose Sharks have missed the post-season for seven-straight years.

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