Optimism remains on the current San Jose Sharks roster. Goal production will be the center of attention after the Sharks finished 19th in the NHL with 2.67 goals per game. A void has been left by Patrick Marleau, now with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Joe Thornton is now the longest tenure Shark with the departure of Marleau. After suffering a knee injury which required surgery in the offseason, Thornton will be relied on to provide offense early. Thornton played one preseason game and said his knee felt fine. Hope is the 38-year-old can improve his numbers after posting only 50 points in 79 games last season.