Shark City Hockey Honors
The Shark City Hockey Honors are designed to recognize the players and moments that defined the season for San Jose Sharks fans. Join us in celebrating the 2025-26 season with each category and selection.
Most Valuable Player - Macklin Celebrini
In his second season playing in the National Hockey League, Macklin Celebrini served as an Alternate Captain for the San Jose Sharks and led the surge towards a potential playoff berth. Celebrini played in 82 games, scoring 45 goals and registering 70 assists to set a San Jose Sharks franchise record for single season scoring points with 115.
Macklin Celebrini also set a Sharks franchise record for Even Strength Goals (37) and Goals Created (43.1) in a Single Season. In his historic 2025-26 season, Celebrini finished 2nd in Sharks franchise history for points per game (1.40), 2nd in goals (45), 3rd in goals per game (0.55), 4th in assists (70), 5th in assists per game (0.85), and 7th in shots (287).
Comeback Player of the Year - Kiefer Sherwood
Kiefer Sherwood’s journey in the National Hockey League has been challenging, having played for 7 other teams prior to landing in San Jose in January. Following recovery from an upper body injury sustained while playing with Vancouver, Sherwood has played in 28 games with the Sharks, scoring six goals and registering seven assists. On March 3rd against the Montreal Canadiens, Sherwood's first goal as a Shark was a power-play game-winning goal. Since his San Jose Sharks debut on February 4th, Sherwood has led Sharks skaters in hits (128), is tied for 3rd in goals (6) and tied for 8th in points (12). On April 9th against the Anaheim Ducks, Sherwood tied a franchise record for most hits in a single game with 12. After 8 years in the NHL, Sherwood finally has a team to call home in San Jose as he was re-signed by the Sharks to a five-year deal with an AAV of $5.75 million.
Offensive Player of the Year - Will Smith
In his second season playing in the National Hockey League, San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith has shown resilience in the face of adversity. Despite only playing in 69 games and logging the team’s 9th best time on ice (1254:38), Smith finished the season ranked 2nd in points (59), 2nd in goals scored (24), and 4th in assists (35). Smith earned 30 points (12g, 18a) in his final 36 games, including 14 points (5g, 9a) in his final 14 games of the season.
Defensive Player of the Year - Shakir Mukhamadullin
San Jose Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin only played in 50 games this season, yet he still registered career highs with 5 goals, 7 assists, and 12 points. Four of his assists were registered in his first eight games played of his season from October 9th through November 15th. Amongst San Jose Sharks blue liners who played at least 50 games, Mukhamadullin was tied for least amount of defensive zone giveaways (42), was 3rd in shots blocked per game (1.3), and 3rd in shots blocked per 60 (4.41).
Rookie of the Year - Michael Misa
Michael Misa was selected 2nd overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and played 45 games in his first season in the National Hockey League, scoring 9 goals and registering 12 assists for 21 points. On October 14th, Misa became the sixth 18-year-old player to make his Sharks debut in franchise history. Since February 1st, Misa finished the season tied for 8th in goals (7) and tied for 10th in points (13) among NHL rookie skaters. Misa tallied 14 points (6g, 8a) in 28 games played from January 19th through April 5th. Misa scored his first game-winning goal in overtime on March 1st in San Jose against the Winnipeg Jets.
Goal of the Year - William Eklund
On March 12th during the 3rd period against the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund scored on his own rebound against goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The initial shot that came from Eklund while skating towards the left side of the net was saved by Swayman with the right leg pad and sent the puck upwards. On the rebound, Eklund’s skate got tangled up with the goalie stick. While falling onto his back, Eklund was able to swat the puck mid-air and score his 12th goal for his 40th point of the season.
Moment of the Year - Alex Nedeljkovic
On January 19th against the Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks netminder Alex Nedeljkovic recorded the first ever goalie fight in Sharks franchise history when he sparred with Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. Nedeljkovic became the fifth goaltender in NHL history with a goal, assist and fighting major in his career, joining Ron Hextall, Billy Smith, Chris Osgood and Mike Smith.
Man of the Year - Ryan Reaves
San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves is recognized as Shark City Hockey’s Man of the Year for his contributions to the team and fandom culture. On the ice, Reaves led San Jose in hits per 60 (24.59) and in total hits for the season (160). When he is not on the ice, Reaves has been admired for hyping up the team, shenanigans during post-game interviews, and guest commentary on home broadcasts. In January, Reaves introduced the new and instantly iconic Shark Tooth necklace to become the team’s recognition award for player of the game.
