The San Jose Sharks know their young players can play. Now, with the regular season approaching, the preseason is about finding out who can play like a pro. Who can defend, make the right reads and handle the moments when the game gets difficult.
The Sharks are entering a season where their young players are being asked to take on more responsibility while learning what it takes to play consistently in the NHL. That means more than scoring points. It means defending, making reads, handling mistakes, and building the habits needed to stay in the lineup. San Jose’s younger players were given opportunities in a preseason game that went to overtime and a shootout. The result gave Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky another look at how his players handled different situations.
He has centered his message on that kind of development, challenging players across the lineup to improve while keeping the team’s identity intact.
“You have to be consistent to play in the league and to stay in the league,” Warsofsky said.
The Sharks need those young players to contribute within the team they are building. The way they respond to more responsibility can affect how the lineup comes together, how much the coaching staff can trust them and how quickly they can become consistent NHL players. For a group with several young players competing for roles, each game gives the coaches another chance to see who is turning their ability into something they can rely on during the regular season.
“That’s how you develop and continue to develop as a player. So we want to see those guys stack days,” said Warsofsky.
Golden Knights at Sharks game recap
The Sharks and Golden Knights went scoreless through the first two periods, with both goaltenders keeping the game tight. San Jose had its chances, but Carter Hart stopped everything the Sharks sent his way, while Yaroslav Askarov matched him on the other side.
San Jose’s second overall picks in 2025 and 2026 had another plan. Michael Misa finally broke through early in the third. Ivar Stenberg found Misa for the power play goal, giving the Sharks a 1-0 lead. But Vegas answered later in the period when Alexander Holtz tied the game, sending it to overtime.
Neither team scored in the extra period, and the game went to a shootout. Stenberg scored for San Jose, but Vegas got goals from Matyas Sapovaliv and Braeden Bowman to win 2-1.
Misa and Stenberg showed the different parts of the game Warsofsky wants from his young forwards. Misa scored San Jose’s only goal and created several other chances, but his defensive play remains part of his evaluation.
Stenberg was involved around the ice and looked comfortable with the pace, while also being involved in the defensive mistake that led to Vegas’ tying goal.
Forward Igor Chernyshov brought his usual physicality and pressure, with several battles along the boards and a late takeaway. Each player showed what he can bring, while also giving Warsofsky more to work with as the preseason continues.
Defensively, Warsofsky has made the message clear. It starts with all six players on the ice, not just the defensemen, and keeping the puck out of the net has been a major focus. The young defensemen have been asked to stay in position, make reads and avoid giving up easy chances.
Against Vegas, Luca Cagnoni, Eric Pohlkamp and Nolan Allan each had moments that caught Warsofsky’s attention, while Stenberg’s coverage on the tying goal showed the kind of small mistake Warsofsky is trying to clean up.
In net, Askarov gave the Sharks another strong look. He stopped 28 of 29 shots and looked calmer than Warsofsky had seen him previously.
“He was a lot more calmer than we’ve seen him,” Warsofsky said. “Thought he was good.”
The talent is starting to show, but Warsofsky is looking for more than individual moments. Misa is picking up his defensive game, Stenberg is getting more comfortable with the pace and the young defensemen are showing they can handle the physical side of the game.
Askarov looked calmer in net, while the veterans helped keep the group composed. For Warsofsky, the preseason is giving him a chance to see how it all comes together and whether the players are starting to play the way he expects.
“Good foundation of how to become a pro,” Warsofsky said.
Scoring summary Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks Sept. 22, 2026
First period
No scoring
Second period
No scoring
Third period
4:18 SJS Michael Misa from Ivar Stenberg and Dmitry Orlov on the power play
8:22 VGK Alexander Holtz from Tanner Laczynski and Adam Ginning
Overtime
No scoring
Shootout
VGK Matyas Sapovaliv scores
SJS Ivar Stenberg scores
VGK Braeden Bowman scores
SJS Igor Chernyshov stopped by Carter Hart
VGK Alexander Holtz stopped by Yaroslav Askarov
SJS Luca Cagnoni stopped by Carter Hart
