Sharks Owner Plattner Discusses Celebrini Excitement, Wilson Era, and Rebuild
Hasso Plattner, the owner of the San Jose Sharks, recently shared insights about the team’s future during a candid interview. This marks his first discussion with local media in about a decade.
Rebuilding the San Jose Sharks
Plattner expressed his disappointment with the previous management’s decisions, stating it was necessary to rebuild the team after the end of the Doug Wilson era. The transition involved a complete overhaul of the roster, reflecting the need for a fresh start.
Doug Wilson Era Ends
The Sharks are in a significant transition phase. Many key players, such as Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski, have left, and with injuries to pivotal players like Logan Couture, the need for change became evident. Plattner acknowledged the challenges of letting go of longstanding players.
Trust in Mike Grier’s Vision
General Manager Mike Grier, appointed in 2022, is implementing a strategy to enhance the team’s draft performance. Plattner noted the previous wasted draft picks and emphasized Grier’s systematic approach to scouting talent.
Macklin Celebrini: A Hopeful Future
Plattner is particularly excited about Macklin Celebrini, praising his all-around gameplay and leadership skills. He believes that Celebrini, along with other promising young players like Sam Dickinson, could contribute significantly to the team’s future success.
2022 Rebuild Decisions
Reflecting on the rebuild initiated in 2022, Plattner stated that the decision was a long time coming. He regrets some past choices, such as allowing key players to depart and missing out on talent like Tim Stutzle. Plattner recognizes that the Sharks need a collective effort from several strong players, rather than relying on individual stars.
Future Expectations
While Plattner does not expect the Sharks to reach the playoffs this season, he believes that next year could see them competing more closely. With young players gradually developing and integrating into the team, he sees a promising trajectory ahead. The unique challenge lies in not pushing these young talents too quickly.
Community and Fan Engagement
Plattner emphasized the importance of fan support in revitalizing the Sharks’ competitive edge. He hopes for a renewed excitement around the SAP Center, similar to previous seasons when fan engagement was at its peak.
San Jose’s Future
The owner expressed confidence in the relationship between the Sharks and the city of San Jose. He highlighted the supportive new leadership in the city and their shared vision for the team’s success.
Conclusion
Hasso Plattner is committed to reshaping the San Jose Sharks into a more competitive team. With focused leadership and a renewed emphasis on youth development, the foundation for future success appears to be taking shape.
