The San Jose Sharks are back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. With a dismal record of 15-35-7, they’ve managed to firmly anchor themselves at the bottom of the NHL standings. Yes, folks, it’s their sixth year in a row missing the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the pressure is on in these last 25 games of the season. But don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as they flounder around the ice. Here are four juicier-than-a-bubbly-mimosa storylines to anticipate as they instinctively try to find some shred of dignity.

Will Celebrini Bag the Calder Trophy?

This year, rookie Macklin Celebrini is basically summoning all the spirit of a Stanley Cup in what seems like a futile season. With 40 points in just 45 games, this kid is nearly a point-per-game miracle on a team that could barely win a game if it was given one on a silver platter. Yes, he’s under crushing pressure of being the standout player on the league’s worst team, and somehow, he’s even keeping it together defensively. But can he fend off competition from fellow rookies like Lane Hutson, a defensive powerhouse from the Montreal Canadiens on the brink of historic rookie scoring? Shall we place bets on a three-way Calder showdown between Celebrini, Hutson, and Calgary’s Dustin Wolf? Place your bets, folks!

Keep an Eye on the Young Guns

As the Sharks continue their doomed march to the bottom, it’s prime time to scrutinize the next generation of talent. Will Smith, that scintillating 19-year-old, has been showcasing some much-needed talent, and William Eklund has ambitions of scoring big with a projected 58 points. Between the lots of promising youth like Collin Graf and Henry Thrun, fans are left wondering who’s going to become a shiny diamond in this rough and tumble season. Are they core material, or just here to fill the bench?

Trade Deadline Drama

Attention everyone, because the trade deadline is looming, and the Sharks have some slightly valuable pieces that could be shipped off. Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci have already been sent packing, but are players like Luke Kunin and Mario Ferraro next on the chopping block? GM Mike Grier is playing it close to the vest, but will he dare to shake things up in hopes of snagging a core player for the future?

How Low Can They Go?

Let’s be real here. Since trading Mackenzie Blackwood, the Sharks are a staggering 5-20-2, spiraling downwards faster than a badly done slapshot. Their head coach, Ryan Warsofsky, has his hands full trying to keep the team motivated. Will they manage to claw out of this tailspin with some dignity intact? Here’s hoping they can keep the bar set low enough to aim for that coveted number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. Who knows, maybe they’ll get lucky and land a game-changer like Matthew Schaefer or Michael Misa? It’s been a painful ride, but let’s hold out hope for a sunrise after this endless storm.

So, gear up, Sharks fans. These last 25 games are sure to be a wild, laughable, and hopefully enlightening experience. Stay tuned as we witness the trainwreck unfold!