5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the San Jose Sharks This Offseason

By Bradley Phillipps

5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the San Jose Sharks This Offseason

San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason Issues — The San Jose Sharks are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2014-15 season. The transformation from last year's team looks complete but what are some of the issues this team needs to worry about? These are things to look for before the season begins in October.

5. The Forward Depth

Raffi Torres Mike Brown San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason

5. The Forward Depth

Raffi Torres Mike Brown San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason — Forward depth is always an issue for any team. The Sharks did their best to fix this situation by signing Joel Ward. However, injuries affect every team and could cost the Sharks plenty. Raffi Torres should be ready to go for the start of the season, but as he is coming off of two ACL surgeries, fans have to wonder how long he will last before he is injured again.

4. Prospects Making an Impact

Joonas Donskoi San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason 2015 IIHF World Championships

4. Prospects Making an Impact

Joonas Donskoi San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason 2015 IIHF World Championships — Speaking of forward depth, there could be a couple of roster spots available for some prospects to make an impact. If these players are going to stick with the Sharks, the team should be cautious in order to maintain their development. My bet is that shootout specialist Joonas Donskoi makes the team, but Nikolay Goldobin has the highest potential in the Sharks' prospect pool. The team has to make sure they are ready for the NHL.

3. New Systems

Peter Deboer San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason

3. New Systems

Peter Deboer San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason — With a new coach comes a new style of play. How will the players adapt to Peter Deboer? Also, how will Deboer handle younger players like Tomas Hertl and Matt Nieto? He doesn't have a good reputation of handling young players well and their development is crucial to the success of this team.

2. Their Cap Space

Mike Brown San Jose Sharks Cap Space 2015 NHL Offseason

2. Their Cap Space

Mike Brown San Jose Sharks Cap Space 2015 NHL Offseason — Doug Wilson spent to the cap like he said he would. But with only $1 million in cap space, the Sharks' offseason moves limit their flexibility going forward. If they want to add pieces at the deadline, they will have to clear some salary in order to do so. Getting rid of Mike Brown would be a good start.

1. The Defense

Mirco Mueller Brent Burns Joe Pavelski San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason

1. The Defense

Mirco Mueller Brent Burns Joe Pavelski San Jose Sharks 2015 NHL Offseason — This is the Sharks' only hole in the roster right now. Brent Burns was a big contributor to their disappointing season in 2014-15. Although he showed improvement at the 2015 IIHF World Championships, his inconsistent play is concerning. Also, the sixth defenseman slot is vacant with Mirco Mueller and Matt Tennyson battling for that spot. Mueller has shown that he is not ready for the NHL and would develop better in the AHL.

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San Jose Sharks

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