Lowly Sharks have nowhere to go but up in the standings

Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) defends against a shot by the Penguins during the second period on Jan. 27. JEFF CHIU — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, FILE

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By Curtis Pashelka

Bay Area News Group

SAN JOSE >> What we’ve learned unequivocally about the San Jose Sharks through the first four months of the season is that they’re not one player away from being a playoff contender.

As the NHL’s 32nd-place team, the Sharks (15-35-7) are not one draft pick away; they’re not one free agent signing away or one trade away from playing meaningful games this time next year. There are too many holes on the roster.

That said, this coming offseason represents another opportunity for the Sharks to add more pieces to the puzzle and to keep bringing in the type of players they feel can make a difference to the team’s long-term fortunes.

That’s why it’ll be interesting to see what Sharks general manager Mike Grier does with the first-round draft pick he acquired from the Dallas Stars earlier this month in exchange for forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci. The Sharks also received a conditional 2025 third-round pick in the deal.

That first-round selection might land anywhere from 21st to 32nd overall. Should Grier keep it — even though this year’s draft is not believed to be deep — and add another piece to an already strong pipeline? Or, in the more interesting option, should he use it in a trade that could benefit the Sharks’ NHL roster sooner rather than later?

“We still have to keep building, so the draft picks are still important and going to be a big part moving forward,” Grier told season-ticket holders. “Our amateur staff has done a good job, but (we’ll) definitely have our eye out on any situations like (Askarov). If there’s any type of young player who wants a change of scenery or is disgruntled, whatever it may be, we’ll be in on it for sure.”

Where could the Sharks use the most help in terms of bolstering their roster? Take your pick.

With Granlund gone, the Sharks could use another second-line center unless they feel Will Smith is ready for that role next year. Alexander Wennberg is signed for another season but might be best suited for a third-line center role. Another proven scorer on the wing could also be on the wish list.

The Sharks’ defense is also in desperate need of an upgrade, and Grier will have some holes to fill on the right side with Ceci gone and Jan Rutta a pending unrestricted free agent. The Sharks certainly want their young defensemen, Henry Thrun, Shakir Mukhamdullin, and Jack Thompson, to take a step forward in their development, but they still need to add an impactful veteran or two to the mix.

Whatever happens, the Sharks do not want to be in the same position they are this year.

“Hopefully, we’re more in the mix this time next year,” Grier said. “It’s hard to say, but I think that’s kind of the next step for the group. The standings are the standings, but I think the group’s moving forward and pushing forward.”