October 27th 2024.
In a recent interview with Bay Area News Group, Jonathan Becher, the president of Sharks Sports & Entertainment, shared his thoughts on the current state of the San Jose Sharks. He admitted that while he didn't expect the team to be a top contender this season, he also didn't anticipate the struggles they have faced in the first few weeks.
Becher acknowledged that the start of the season has been "bumpier" than he had hoped, but stressed that it is not a fair way to judge the team's potential. With their recent loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Sharks have now become the first team in NHL history to go winless in their first nine games in consecutive seasons. It's a tough situation for the team, and their new slogan of "the future is teal" doesn't offer much comfort in the present.
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky echoed this sentiment, stating that the team's back-to-back dreadful starts are "truly embarrassing." With key players like No. 1 overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini and captain Logan Couture out of the lineup, the Sharks have struggled to find their footing, averaging a league-low 2.00 goals per game and allowing 4.22 goals against.
The team's offseason promotional efforts mostly focused on Celebrini, as well as Will Smith, their fourth overall draft pick in 2023. However, Smith has yet to record a point in seven games and Celebrini's return date is unknown. Becher admits that this has led to an inconsistent team, but also notes that it's not surprising given the key players still out of the lineup.
The Sharks will face the Utah Hockey Club on Monday and then return home to play the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. However, if significant improvements are not made, they could easily go 11 games without a win, matching last season's poor start. Becher remains hopeful, stating that "tomorrow is a new day" and that the team will continue to work towards their first win in Utah.
When asked how the Sharks should be judged, Becher emphasized the importance of individual player growth, consistency, and being a "harder team to play against." He also wants to see the team's veterans stepping up to guide the younger players and fulfill their leadership roles.
Becher also addressed the team's owner, Hasso Plattner, who has attended two of the three home games so far and is in regular contact with Becher and general manager Mike Grier. When asked if Plattner is patient with the rebuilding process, Becher replied that he is fully on board with the plan that Grier presented when he was hired as GM and understands the cycle of sports. He also shares the same sentiment as many fans, wanting to get back to winning sooner rather than later, but recognizing that it will take time.
In the meantime, Grier has made moves to clear out long-term contracts and build up one of the best prospect pools in the NHL. Becher praises Grier for sticking to his plan and making decisions that align with the team's long-term goals.
When asked about a timeline for when the Sharks will be playoff contenders again, Becher remained optimistic but didn't want to provide a specific date. He believes that the team is heading in the right direction and is confident in Grier's transparency and decision-making. Ultimately, Becher acknowledges that there will be growing pains, but remains hopeful for the team's future success.
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