The Sharks want to have another offseason like it, and perhaps that first-round pick they acquired from the Stars will play a role. Whatever happens, the Sharks — and certainly their fans — do not want to be in the same position they are this year.

Mikael Granlund is back! Granlund spoke with local media before Saturday’s San Jose Sharks-Dallas Stars tilt. It’s been just one week since Granlund and Cody Ceci were traded to the Stars for a 2025 first and a conditional 2025 fourth (which becomes a third if Dallas makes the Stanley Cup Final).

The Stars are playing the second night of a back-to-back following an emotional shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

NHL: San Jose Sharks face ex-teammates Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci on Saturday when they face the Dallas Stars at SAP Center

The San Jose Sharks have prime opportunities to grow their rookie’s skill and depth as well as better the team in the end. Even though the team will miss out on playoffs for the sixth year in a row, they can use this time to focus more on skill development.

Vanecek is now 3-8-2 this season with a .887 save percentage. He could be in line to start again on Saturday when the Sharks host the Dallas Stars in their final game before the NHL breaks for the 4 Nations Face-Off, which runs from Feb. 12-20.