EXPECTATIONS: Will Sharks and Ducks BREAK THROUGH with Leo Carlsson and Macklin Celebrini?

Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks face mounting expectations as both young, dynamic NHL teams eye a post-season breakthrough. Is this the year Leo Carlsson and Macklin Celebrini evolve from top prospects into true franchise pillars? JD Young and Kyle Clements break down the wild offseason full of offer sheets, bold contract moves, and shocking departures—like Chris Kreider’s exit—that are reshaping both rosters. Key debates include the Ducks’ path after ending their playoff drought, questions surrounding Lukáš Dostál’s goaltending and an overhauled blue line, and whether Anaheim’s core of Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke can fill the offensive gap. For the Sharks, cap flexibility and rising stars give hope, but poor defense and inconsistent goaltending could prove costly. With the Pacific Division wide open behind Edmonton and Vegas, which team has the formula to clinch that coveted No. 3 spot?