NHL Power Rankings: Pre-Training Camp Edition

Apr 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Jose Sharks center Chris Tierney (50) celebrates with center Tomas Hertl (48) and defenseman Matt Irwin (52) after scoring a power play goal in the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

20. San Jose Sharks 

The Sharks have a new head coach in Peter DeBoer and a potential goaltender of the future in Martin Jones after San Jose missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season.

Old franchise staples Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns are still around. Other newcomers include defenseman Paul Martin and underrated forward Joel Ward. The Sharks could get some youthful interjection from 2014 draft pick Nikolay Goldobin and the ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft, Timo Meier.

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DeBoer was the coach of the Devils when they won the Eastern Conference in the 2012-13 season. The Sharks have plenty of talent to jump back into the postseason. The key will be Jones, who posted a 2.25 goals-against average in 15 games as Jonathan Quick’s backup in Los Angeles. Jones played in front of a much stronger defensive unit in L.A. than he will in San Jose. If Jones performs well in his first season as the starter, the Sharks could be in postseason contention.

Next: Next: No. 19

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