Can the San Jose Sharks find success without playoff contention? JD Young explores the team's path forward in the 2025-2026 NHL season, focusing on key areas for growth and development.

Young players take center stage as the Sharks aim to build for the future. Will Macklin Celebrini establish himself as a top-20 NHL center? Can Yaroslav Askarov secure the starting goaltender position? The host examines the potential of Will Smith, William Eklund, and other prospects to answer crucial questions about their roles and impact.

Improving the win-loss record is vital, even if playoffs remain out of reach. JD discusses realistic goals for the team's performance, drawing comparisons to recent seasons of other rebuilding franchises. He also analyzes General Manager Mike Grier's strategy for balancing long-term development with the need for NHL-ready talent to support the young core.

The episode concludes by defining what success looks like for the Sharks in 2025-2026, emphasizing player growth, competitiveness, and strategic roster moves. Tune in to hear JD's insights on how San Jose can lay the foundation for future playoff contention while navigating the challenges of a rebuild.

Check out the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Listener Survey
We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Where will Michael Misa play this season? The San Jose Sharks' second overall pick faces limited options due to age restrictions and eligibility rules. JD Young breaks down why Misa is likely NHL-bound, exploring contract considerations and roster management challenges for the Sharks.

Young analyzes the potential development plan for Misa, comparing it to Will Smith's journey last season. He suggests Misa may start with limited minutes but could see an expanded role sooner than expected. The host also examines the situation of Misa's junior team, the Saginaw Spirit, and speculates on their potential moves if Misa returns to the OHL.

The episode dives into the complexities of NHL contracts, including the "slide rule" for young players and how it impacts roster decisions. Young discusses the Sharks' current contract situation and potential moves to make room for Misa.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of Michael Misa's future with the San Jose Sharks and how his development could shape the team's strategy this season.

Check out the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Listener Survey
We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The San Jose Sharks' rebuild is turning heads across the NHL, potentially making them a fan-favorite underdog. ESPN analyst Arda Ocal joins host JD Young to examine the Sharks' national perception and their unique prospect development system. They explore William Eklund's potential as a game-changer for San Jose this season and discuss team expectations, from wild card contention to the impact of rising stars.

Central to their conversation is Macklin Celebrini, the highly touted prospect who's generating significant buzz. Ocal and Young dive deep into Celebrini's skill set, his potential impact on the Sharks' future, and how he fits into the team's long-term strategy. They also touch on Will Smith, another key piece in San Jose's rebuilding puzzle, comparing his development trajectory to Celebrini's.

The episode takes a fun turn as the hosts craft the ultimate Star Wars hockey team, imagining Wookiees on defense and Wampas in goal. Ocal shares his excitement for upcoming Star Wars content, including the Ahsoka series and Mandalorian Grogu movie. They conclude by pondering Connor McDavid's legacy and what it would take for him to join hockey's Mount Rushmore. Listeners can expect insider insights on the Sharks' rebuild, with a particular focus on Celebrini's potential, alongside entertaining Star Wars hockey fantasies and discussions on the NHL's biggest stars.

Check out the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to Indeed.com/LOCKEDON right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)