With the 2025-2026 NHL schedule finally released, analysis of each team’s schedule can be made, including that of the San Jose Sharks.
The Sharks remain one of the youngest teams in the league. There will be three separate five-game road trips, and there will be 16 back-to-backs. San Jose’s 16 back-to-backs are tied for the most in the league with five other teams.
Oct. 21 vs. New York Islanders on Long Island
The first key game for the Sharks this season could come as early as game six of the season. Michael Misa hasn’t signed at the time of writing this, and neither has No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer.
Should both sign their entry-level contracts and make their respective teams, the top two picks from the 2025 NHL Draft will face off for the first time.
San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund’s brother Victor was drafted by the Islanders in 2025. He has signed his ELC but will play another year in Sweden, following the same path as William.
March 21 vs. Nashville Predators in Nashville
It might be late in the season, but the game against the Nashville Predators on March 21 will be the first time the Sharks play the Predators. After a tough season for Nashville, they will be looking to rebound.
Yaroslav Askarov is expected to be the No. 1 goalie this season and has only played his former team once. That game was in San Jose, and he struggled, giving up six goals on 38 shots.
If Askarov starts on the 21st, it will mark the first time he will play against his former team in Nashville, a potential hostile environment.
Jan. 23 vs. New York Rangers in San Jose
The New York Rangers aren’t a rival of the San Jose Sharks, but the timing of this game makes it critical. The Sharks will be returning home after a four-game road trip on the East Coast.
The Sharks will be playing a back-to-back against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning to complete the trip. Then they come home and face a Rangers team looking for redemption after a disappointing season in 24-25.
GM Mike Grier has said it is time for the Sharks to start winning games. If the season is going well and these games are meaningful, this stretch could make or break the season.
Following the game against the Rangers, the Sharks will then head north and begin a five-game road trip that leads directly into the Olympic break.
A tough schedule lies ahead for the Sharks, but if last season’s experience is taken into account, they should be better off.
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