Although the San Jose Sharks won't be the most successful this season, some players can contribute to fantasy teams.
Fans of the San Jose Sharks who play fantasy hockey and want players in Teal on their team will need to target these players.
Guaranteed Producers:
Tomas Hertl
Tomas Hertl will still produce offense for the Sharks. According to NHL.com's fantasy rankings, the center is ranked 195 on the top 250 players.
Hertl's 63 points last season were solid in terms of fantasy production. However, what brought his fantasy value down was his plus/minus.
In Yahoo leagues, plus/minus is in standard scoring and will significantly affect his fantasy. Last season, Hertl was a career worse -36. Most times, plus/minus is just one point positive or negative, so losing -36 points throughout a season is significant.
Hertl has the potential of playing with newly acquired forward Anthony Duclair. Duclair has scored 30 goals twice in his career.
Logan Couture
The captain of the San Jose Sharks has been relatively consistent offensively throughout his career.
Ranked right behind Hertl at 196, Couture shares much of the same optimism.
The acquisitions of Duclair, Mike Hoffman, and Filip Zadina all share the same potential to be on the same line as the captain.
The center is coming off his best offensive season since 2018-19. In 18-19, Couture had 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists). Last season, he finished with 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists).
Again, like Hertl, the plus/minus stat could hurt him. Last year, he finished -30, and with the Sharks' defense not looking too stable, it could get worse.
Late-Round Draft Picks
William Eklund
William Eklund was drafted seventh overall in 2021 and, until this summer, was the San Jose Sharks top prospect.
Eklund projects to make the NHL roster and have a top-six forward role. On NHL.com fantasy rankings, Eklund is No. 240.
His offensive potential and role alone should earn him a spot as a late-round draft pick in most fantasy hockey leagues.
In his eight games last season, Eklund had three points. He was a focal point of the powerplay and on the offensive attack. His skating and awareness give him the high potential to reach fantasy relevance.
Anthony Duclair
The San Jose Sharks acquired Duclair to help fill the goalscoring void left when Timo Meier was dealt.
Although he was limited to 20 regular season games for the Florida Panthers last season, Duclair set career highs in 21-22. Duclair potted 31 goals, and 21 of his 58 points came on the powerplay.
Duclair is another year removed from his Achilles injury and should feel even better coming into training camp. His game is based on his speed, and with an entire summer of training under his belt, he should return to his normal abilities.
Like the other players on this list so far, Duclair projects to play in the top-six forwards.
Throwing Darts
These players should not be drafted but only added due to injury or hot streak.
Alexander Barabanov
Alexander Barabanov has shown an ability to produce with Hertl. He should also get some time on the powerplay but may not keep his spot on the top unit.
The winger also will be a UFA at season's end and could be an option for a contending team to trade for come deadline time.
Filip Zadina
Filip Zadina told reporters he chose to join the San Jose Sharks due to the opportunities that head coach David Quinn offered.
Zadina will look to restart his once highly touted career with the Sharks. Zadina was the sixth overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2018 and was known for his goalscoring ability.
Although he has yet to produce in the NHL, a fresh start could be just what the doctor ordered for the 23-year-old.
Henry Thrun and Mario Ferraro
Henry Thrun or Mario Ferraro could be the quarterback of the first powerplay unit. Until training camp, there is no way of knowing who will win that competition.
Regardless of the result, neither of these players should be picked up unless offensive production is shown.