Sharks Urgently Need Offensive Boost From Defensemen’s Shots
SAN JOSE, CA – The San Jose Sharks are looking for increased offensive production from their defensemen, specifically veteran additions Dmitry Orlov and Erik Klingberg, as well as top prospect Sam Dickinson, to unlock the team’s power play potential.A key focus is simply getting more shots on net from the blue line.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, the Sharks struggled with shot volume from their defense. Veteran defenseman Radim Simek registered a shooting percentage of just .5% in 18 games.
In the 2024-25 season, Walman led Sharks defensemen with 164 shots on goal, 125 of which came while playing for the Sharks. The next closest was Timothy Liljegren with 102 shots in 68 games.
The Sharks aren’t necessarily seeking a return to the high-volume shooting days of former players like Brent Burns, but a consistent threat from the point is crucial, particularly on the power play.
“Sometimes when you shoot, you create more offense. When you just get too many passes, especially [against] quadrant teams who play zone positioning. They’re always kind of back. It’s hard to make too many passes,” Orlov said. “Sometimes you have to make a couple shots, and then they’re going to worry about getting close to you. Then there’s going to be some things that open up.”
Orlov recorded 117 shots in 76 games in 2024-25, while Klingberg had 139 shots in 74 games in his last complete season.
Top defensive prospect Sam Dickinson is already demonstrating a willingness to shoot. in 55 games for the London Knights in 2024-25, Dickinson took 245 shots, significantly outpacing the next highest total on his team (245 to 188, Oliver Bonk). He led the Knights in points and was second in goals with 29, including a team-leading 12 power-play goals.
Dickinson has been working on the top power-play unit during training camp in Klingberg’s absence due to injury and could see power-play time if he makes the opening night roster.
The Sharks’ biggest offensive threat, Macklin Celebrini, will benefit from a more active shooting presence on the power play. Celebrini’s one-timer will be more effective if opposing penalty kills are forced to respect the shot from the point.
Klingberg, orlov, and Dickinson are identified as the most likely candidates to provide that offensive boost to the Sharks’ roster.
