The San Jose Sharks are facing a crucial week in their 2025-26 season, with several key storylines unfolding. Here's a look at the upcoming schedule and what to watch for from January 5th to 12th, 2026.

Macklin Celebrini at the Olympics

The biggest news surrounding the Sharks is the selection of Macklin Celebrini to Team Canada's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The 19-year-old center is having a fantastic sophomore season, already exceeding 20 goals and 60 points by mid-season. His performance has solidified his position as a rising star, earning him a spot alongside established players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon on the national team. In April 2025, Celebrini had his first NHL hat trick.

Playoff Hopes

The Sharks currently have a record of 20-18-3 with 43 points, placing them near the Wild Card bubble. They are sixth in the Pacific Division but have a 6-4-0 record in their last ten games. This week's games against division rivals like the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights, as well as a challenging match against the Dallas Stars, will be critical for their playoff aspirations.

Will Smith's Injury

Will Smith, another of the Sharks' promising young players, has been out with an upper-body injury since late December. His absence has disrupted the chemistry he and Celebrini developed earlier in the season. The timeline for Smith's return remains uncertain, and the team's depth is being tested without him. In Smith's absence, Igor Cheryshov has found chemistry with Celebrini and William Eklund. In October 2025, Celebrini had a hat trick and set up Will Smith's overtime goal. Smith also had four points in that game.

Pavol Regenda's Hat Trick

In a recent 7-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pavol Regenda, a depth forward, scored a hat trick. While the game resulted in a loss, Regenda's performance highlights the importance of secondary scoring, especially with key forwards like Smith and Philipp Kurashev currently sidelined.

Week's Schedule

Here's the Sharks' schedule for the week:

• Tue, Jan 6, 7:00 PM PST vs Columbus Blue Jackets: at SAP Center (Home)
• Wed, Jan 7, 7:30 PM PST vs Los Angeles Kings:
• Sat, Jan 10, 4:00 PM PST vs Dallas Stars: at SAP Center (Home)

This week presents a significant test for the San Jose Sharks as they navigate injuries, Olympic roster selections, and crucial divisional matchups. How they perform in these upcoming games will significantly impact their playoff chances as the season progresses.