Rangers Prepare for Sharks Matchup

LOS ANGELES — The Rangers are set to take on the Sharks this Friday, a team that seems to be finding its footing after enduring a tough period.

It’s interesting how quickly things can change in the NHL. Just at the end of the previous season, the Sharks were sitting in the same spot as the Rangers—last place in the conference. While New York is still grappling with challenges, San Jose is starting to reap the rewards of its rebuilding efforts.

Conversely, the Rangers are only beginning their own transition phase.

The youthful and talented Sharks’ roster has begun to show its capabilities, leading to significant changes within the organization.

At some point, it seems likely the Rangers will engage in transactions with the Sharks.

Head coach Mike Sullivan noted after Thursday’s practice in El Segundo, California, “They’re a team with little pressure. They’re just starting to emerge. I think they have a young player who reminds me of a young Sidney Crosby.” He made reference to [Macklin] Celebrini, highlighting not just his skills but his work ethic as well. Sullivan mentioned that exceptional talents like Celebrini can create ripples throughout the team, and the Sharks are clearly loaded with youthful potential.

As they headed into Friday’s game, the Sharks found themselves in a promising position—second in the Western Conference and holding a wild card spot. Tied with the Kraken for points scored (53) and scoring percentage (.541), they have a great opportunity to improve their roster and potentially end a six-year playoff drought.

They’re an exciting team to watch, especially with the likes of Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund—showcasing a vigorous youth movement from Northern California. Former Rangers veterans like Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reeves also contribute significantly to the team culture.

Recently, Sharks GM Mike Grier made a move by acquiring Kiefer Sherwood from the Canucks in exchange for Cole Clayton and two second-round draft picks (2026 and 2027).

With ample cap space available, Grier has the leeway to make significant acquisitions if necessary. There are also rumors surrounding defenseman Braden Schneider, who will be a restricted free agent this summer and is viewed as a potential target.

Schneider stands out as one of the Rangers’ attractive trade assets due to his ability to bolster the defensive lineup without breaking the bank at a $2.2 million cap hit.

At 24 years old, he’s likely to ask for a raise, but the team that acquires him would likely have more negotiating power.

Grier’s relationship with Chris Drury, the Rangers’ president and GM, is well-known. Their history includes winning an NCAA championship together back in 1995 and later teaming up in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres.

When Drury took the reins as New York’s GM in May 2021, one of his first moves was to hire Grier as a hockey operations advisor. There were also reports suggesting Drury was instrumental in helping Grier secure the job with the Sharks.