The San Jose Sharks are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, focusing on strengthening their farm system, which was underscored by their selection of Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Shortly after being drafted, Celebrini signed his entry-level contract with the Sharks, joining fellow prospect Will Smith, the team's fourth overall pick in 2023, who also signed after leaving Boston College.

In August 2024, the Sharks traded for goaltender Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators, acquiring him along with forward Nolan Burke and a 2025 third-round pick in exchange for David Edstrom, a conditional 2025 first-round pick, and goaltender Magnus Chrona.

Following the trade, Askarov signed a two-year contract with the Sharks worth $2 million annually.

Askarov, 22, has already made a name for himself with an impressive AHL performance, boasting a record of 6-3-0, a goals-against average of 1.92, and a .939 save percentage, which ranks third in the AHL.

On November 18, 2024, Askarov was called up to the Sharks, marking a significant step in his career as he joins the NHL roster.

As the Sharks navigate this transition, they currently hold a record of 5-10-4, placing them tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second-fewest points in the NHL, while allowing an average of 3.37 goals per game, the ninth-most in the league.