San Jose Hockey Now wishes everyone a Happy New Year and a Happy New Year to Macklin Celebrini, who has made Team Canada!

TSN Draft guru Craig Button joins us to talk all about that! Back in July, he was already telling people that Macklin was making the Canadian Olympic team! What made Craig so confident and what are some of his 2026 Draft thoughts?

We also check in on what I call the Randy Hahn Line: Since we last recorded, the Sharks have ripped off 3 straight wins…do we think now that the Sharks are making the playoffs?

Igor Chernyshov is among the Sharks that are buzzing, I went to talk to another NHL scout about Chernyshov!

Finally, what’s the value of playoff experience or playing playoff-like regular season games for the likes of Chernyshov and company? Or should the Sharks just traded UFAs Wennberg and Ferraro for whatever they can get?

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What’s Igor Chernyshov’s ceiling?

The San Jose Sharks rookie winger had an impressive NHL debut this past week.

Insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and host Zubair Jeewanjee dive into that in the latest episode of the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast.

Why did one NHL scout pump the brakes on the Chernyshov hype, by setting more of a top-six winger expectation for the San Jose Sharks’ 2024 second-round pick? Are stars Mark Stone or Valeri Nichushkin valid comparisons for Chernyshov?

Also, San Jose Sharks faceoff consultant Zenon Konopka jumps on the podcast! Legendary defenseman Dan Boyle joins in on the hilarious chat.

Konopka discusses Ty Dellandrea’s growth at the faceoff circle and how impressive Macklin Celebrini is as a player.

Konopka also shares now-funny stories from his colorful career, like spooking Dion Phaneuf and threatening Brian Boyle before a playoff game.

Also, what’s the path for the San Jose Sharks to make the playoffs?

Happy holidays from all of us at the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast! We also share our Sharks’ Christmas wishes, what we’re grateful for, and unsung heroes.

Finally, Keegan previews the World Junior Championships!

(3:20) What's Sheng grateful for? We also talk about the path for the Sharks to make the playoffs.
(20:38) What's Zubair grateful for?
(38:56) What's Keegan's wishlist? And a discussion about Chernyshov's ceiling.
(1:11:37) What's Zubair's wishlist?
(1:24:30) World Junior Championships preview!
(1:44:41) Zenon Konopka interview!

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It’s a dream (or nightmare?) lefty-righty combo: Sheng is paired with just Dan Boyle today!

Does Macklin Celebrini have a strong case for the Hart Trophy? Sheng thinks so.

How about Alex Wennberg for…Selke? It’s not as crazy as it sounds.

We also discuss the state of the San Jose Sharks’ blueline: Who deserves to play every night?

What’s going on with Shakir Mukhamadullin? What’s a path for the young San Jose Sharks defenseman to get more consistent playing time?

Dan is honest about what he’s seen from John Klingberg this season. Sheng asked some NHL scouts about Nick Leddy.

Finally, Dan recalls when he knew that it was time for him to retire. He shares the mental challenge of adjusting to a lesser role in his last two years with the New York Rangers.

Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off.

⸻
Listen on Spotify: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpAD...
Listen on Apple: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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Follow San Jose Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: https://sanjosehockeynow.com/
Instagram: @sanjosehockeynow: / sanjosehockeynow
𝕏 Twitter/X: @Sheng_Peng: https://x.com/Sheng_Peng
𝕏 Twitter/X: @halfwall_hockey: https://x.com/halfwall_hockey
Facebook: San Jose Hockey Now: / sjhockeynow

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) – Intro: Aging Players, Sharks D and Celebrini MVP
(00:07:02) – Why Zubair and Keegan Are Out This Week
(00:07:34) – Michael Misa’s AHL Conditioning Stint
(00:10:02) – What Shane Wright’s Path Means for Misa’s Development
(00:13:36) – San Jose Sharks’ Inconsistent Compete Level Over the Last Month
(00:15:23) – Surviving the NHL Season’s “Middle 40” Game Grind
(00:18:03) – Sharks’ Practice Response to the 7–1 Capitals Loss
(00:21:19) – Is Macklin Celebrini the MVP Right Now?
(00:24:51) – Where Celebrini Ranks Among Superstars
(00:29:35) – Making the Selke Case for Alex Wennberg
(00:36:18) – Will Smith’s Surge and the Sharks’ Future Core
(00:37:31) – Why Gaudette and Graf Are Quietly Fitting In
(00:42:05) – Only 2 True Every Night D-men on San Jose Sharks
(00:43:09) – Shakir Mukhamadullin’s Growing Pains and Usage
(00:52:33) – Sorting Out Dickinson, Iorio and the Young D Depth
(00:57:31) – World Juniors Decisions for Dickinson and Misa
(00:58:05) – When a Player Realizes He’s Not the Same Anymore
(01:00:03) – Losing a Step: Skating, Injuries and Recovery Time
(01:03:01) – Accepting Reduced Roles and the Pilot Light Test
(01:09:03) – How Systems and Roles Can Break or Elevate a D-Man
(01:13:00) – Boos, Media Pressure and the Veteran Mindset
(01:17:03) – What Sharks Really Have on Defense Right Now
(01:20:31) – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice beer league champ Zubair Jeewanjee talk all things Sharks!

This week, Sharks fan favorite and new Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm gives us the in’s and out’s of his new job: What’s the adjustment like coaching AHL vs. NHL players? As a coach, what do you hope to gain from scratching players? Do you treat superstars differently than the rest of the team? How do you use and handle the media?

Before we chat with Sturm, we discuss this week in San Jose Sharks hockey!

The Sharks have recalled Vincent Iorio, what do they do with their nine defensemen?

We revisit the Fabian Zetterlund and Ryan Reaves trades.

Sheng says Macklin Celebrini had just an okay week…and Celebrini still won NHL Third Star of the Week?!

And Keegan zeroes in on Shakir Mukhamadullin and Keaton Verhoeff in his prospects’ corner, which also debuts a theme song, courtesy of Will Neumann!

(2:48) Vincent Iorio recalled, San Jose Sharks have to make a D decision?

(23:51) What’s going on with Michael Misa’s injury? Should Sharks send him to WJCs?

(31:30) Revisiting the Fabian Zetterlund trade: Zack Ostapchuk is opening eyes!

(42:20) The San Jose Sharks debut their hilarious Player of the Game Award! Ryan Reaves has made a huge impact on the locker room.

Of course, we talk about Macklin Celebrini and Yaroslav Askarov! And we discuss another winning week of Sharks hockey.

(1:22:00) We dissect Shakir Mukhamadullin’s game, for better and worse. Is Keaton Verhoeff going to be a No. 1 defenseman?

(1:56:00) Marco Sturm interview!

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San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice beer league champ Zubair Jeewanjee talk about the resurgent Sharks.

How good are the San Jose Sharks though, really?

We discuss their much-maligned defense, from John Klingberg to Shakir Mukhamadullin.

Kevin Woodley, NHL.com and InGoal Magazine goalie guru, jumps on to discuss Yaroslav Askarov’s improved play. He shares his thoughts about the specifics of why the young San Jose Sharks goalie has been so good in November. He also talks about the underrated Alex Nedeljkovic.

We also debate who’s the San Jose Sharks’ second-best forward, William Eklund or Will Smith. Also, why did the Sharks call up Zack Ostapchuk over the likes of Quentin Musty, Igor Chernyshov, and company?

Speaking of Chernyshov, Keegan focuses on the Russian’s strengths and weaknesses in his prospects focus. He also discusses perhaps the top 2026 Draft power forward, Ethan Belchetz, who has a cool Michael Misa connection.

Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off.

⸻
Listen on Spotify: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpAD...
Listen on Apple: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

⸻
Follow San Jose Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: https://sanjosehockeynow.com/
Instagram: @sanjosehockeynow: / sanjosehockeynow
𝕏 Twitter/X: @Sheng_Peng: https://x.com/Sheng_Peng
𝕏 Twitter/X: @halfwall_hockey: https://x.com/halfwall_hockey
Facebook: San Jose Hockey Now: / sjhockeynow

⸻

(00:10:07) What's up with the San Jose Sharks' defense? A lot of John Klingberg, Dmitry Orlov, and Shakir Mukhamadullin talk

(00:52:52) Kevin Woodley jumps on to break down why Yaroslav Askarov has improved so much this year

(01:50:02) Who's the San Jose Sharks' second-best forward? Why call up Zack Ostapchuk?

(02:24:28) Keegan discusses Igor Chernyshov's improving game, and where he still has to get better

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San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice rink rat Zubair Jeewanjee are joined by another Sharks legend!

Jason Demers, now with NHL Network, talks about the Sharks’ off-season additions on the blueline, Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, and Nick Leddy. He also shares his thoughts on prospects Sam Dickinson and Shakir Mukhamadullin.

Demers also shares how Boyle impacted him, when both patrolled the San Jose Sharks’ blueline. He also talks about the importance of sports psychology and mental health.

We also discuss Michael Misa’s next step, Macklin Celebrini’s stunning evolution, and the underrated Alex Wennberg.

Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off.

⸻
Listen on Spotify: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpAD...
Listen on Apple: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

⸻
Follow San Jose Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: https://sanjosehockeynow.com/
Instagram: @sanjosehockeynow: / sanjosehockeynow
𝕏 Twitter/X: @Sheng_Peng: https://x.com/Sheng_Peng
𝕏 Twitter/X: @halfwall_hockey: https://x.com/halfwall_hockey
Facebook: San Jose Hockey Now: / sjhockeynow

(00:00:00) – Intro & Sponsor: Bring Hockey Back
(00:03:00) – Michael Misa Debate: Keep or Send Back?
(00:08:50) – Comparing Misa to Will Smith & Sam Dickinson
(00:10:45) – Keegan’s Case for Keeping Misa
(00:13:30) – Zubair on Development & IQ
(00:14:00) – Celebrini’s Emergence: “It’s His Room Now”
(00:18:00) – Alex Wennberg’s Underrated Two-Way Impact
(00:20:30) – Role Players & Emerging Forwards
(00:23:40) – Jason Demers & Dan Boyle Join
(00:25:00) – Sharks’ Turnaround: 5-2-1 Run Explained
(00:27:00) – JD Demers on System Shift
(00:28:30) – San Jose Sharks’ Defense Deep Dive
(00:31:00) – Fans Roast John Klingberg (and Why They’re Wrong)
(00:33:00) – Dan Boyle on Power Play Dynamics
(00:39:00) – Why the Aggressive 2-1-2 Style Fits Sharks’ DNA
(00:43:00) – Defense Pairings: Leddy, Mukhamadullin, Dickinson, Orlov
(00:45:30) – Askarov’s Growth in Net
(00:47:30) – Demers & Boyle on Goalie Oversliding
(00:57:00) – Locker Room Camaraderie: Sticks, Sharpening & Stories
(01:02:00) – Mentorship & Mental Health in the NHL
(01:12:00) – JD’s Journey to Game #700
(01:26:00) – Dan Boyle’s Perspective: Support Systems Matter
(01:34:00) – Life After Hockey & JD’s New Mental Health App
(01:43:00) – Breathwork, Flow State & Mind-Body Tools for Athletes
(01:49:00) – Final Reflections: Anxiety, Growth & Gratitude
(01:55:42) – Rapidfire Blueline Takes: Liljegren, Ferraro PK Value, Mukhamadullin/Vlasic Comps
(01:57:02) – “Moose” Breakout Pass Debate, Point Pace, and Quality-of-Opponent Context
(01:59:00) – Demers Leaves
(02:00:05) – Candid Mental Health Story and Why It Matters
(02:01:19) – Are We… Confident? Cautious Optimism After a Strong Run
(02:02:26) – Next Big Test: Winnipeg Preview (Size, Depth, Elite Goaltending)
(02:04:59) – Confidence Compounds: Swagger, Vocal Leadership, PK Sturdiness
(02:07:11) – New Identity: Initiating Physicality vs. Merely Responding
(02:09:14) – PK Turnaround and Individual Stick-Detail Shoutouts
(02:09:46) – Roster Crunch Coming for San Jose Sharks’ D, What Happens?
(02:11:36) – Keep Misa Up? Shot Volume, Finishing Will Follow
(02:12:41) – Prospect Watch: Albert Smiths, 17-Year-Old LHD in Liiga
(02:15:59) – 2026 Class Vibe: Defense-Heavy, Many Righties, Strong Top-10 Draft
(02:16:10) – Sharks Prospect: Eric Pohlkamp (DU) Profile — Rush Offense & Cannon Shot
(02:18:25) – Pohlkamp’s Ceiling: PP1 vs. Depth Value
(02:23:58) – NCAA Is Stacked: Why That Matters for Evaluation
(02:25:22) – Trade Market Hopes for an Offensive RHD
(02:27:21) – Late Bloomers & Overagers: NHL’s Hidden Goldmine
(02:30:55) – Wrap and Sign-Off: Long Episode, Worth It

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The good vibes are back with the San Jose Sharks!

San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice rink rat Zubair Jeewanjee talk about the Macklin Celebrini superstar tour. Boyle, who’s played with his share of great players, puts Celebrini in rarified air. We also discuss some of Celebrini’s less-obvious skills.

Along the way, Boyle tells a hilarious Igor Larionov story.

Should the San Jose Sharks be concerned about Yaroslav Askarov’s play? Boyle doesn’t think so, while Sheng shares insight into Askarov’s relationship with the media.

We’re nearing decision time on Sam Dickinson and Michael Misa, should they stay in the NHL or go back to juniors? The boys have a far different opinion of Misa’s game against the Los Angeles Kings than most of you.

Boyle weighs in on the San Jose Sharks’ veteran defensemen, Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg. Dan likes their recent play.

To close the show, Zubair praises William Eklund and Will Smith and Collin Graf’s development.

Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off.

⸻
Listen on Spotify: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpAD...
Listen on Apple: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

⸻
Follow San Jose Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: https://sanjosehockeynow.com/
Instagram: @sanjosehockeynow: / sanjosehockeynow
Twitter/X: @Sheng_Peng: https://x.com/Sheng_Peng
Twitter/X: @halfwall_hockey: https://x.com/halfwall_hockey
Facebook: San Jose Hockey Now: / sjhockeynow

⸻

(3:35) Macklin Celebrini is a superstar?
(8:55) Celebrini's underrated skills?
(13:20) Is Celebrini making Team Canada?
(31:28) The definition of a superstar?
(44:04) Trick or treat: Our favorite players? Scariest players?
(46:20) Boyle tells a hilarious Igor Larionov story
(1:02:10) Worried about Yaroslav Askarov?
(1:16:08) Should the San Jose Sharks keep Misa and Dickinson?
(1:21:04) How are Dmitry Orlov & John Klingberg looking?
(1:52:38) Mike Grier's vision of Sharks coming together?
(1:53:55) Ryan Warsofsky's tactical changes helping Sharks?
(1:57:35) Love for William Eklund

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