Emotionally in 2018
Joined: Nov. 2016
Posts: 9,290
Likes: 3,387
Sharks shouldn't be missing. They've got enough talent up front even with the loss of Pavelski, especially as guys like Meier, Labanc and Hertl continue to improve. There's also room for young players to step in and provide solid offense (probably either Chekhovich or Chmelevski), and I think one of them can do a solid job in the top nine. Defensively, I think Vlasic will have a bounce back year, plus Simek will be healthy, as he was an excellent partner for Burns. Losing Braun shouldn't be a huge loss, but I think Karlsson coming into the season healthy is going to be huge for them.
In a weak Pacific division, they should be in for sure. My top three are Vegas, San Jose and Arizona. The only thing I really see that could tank the Sharks (besides injuries) is goaltending, but I think it'll be decent enough to get them in.