The Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks meet in a preseason opener on October 2, with both teams debuting new-look rosters and key storylines.
The Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks kick off their preseason schedules against each other on October 2 at SAP Center, a matchup that offers an early glimpse at two franchises heading in different directions. The Panthers, projected seventh in the Atlantic Division, are retooling around a new goaltender after a quiet offseason, while the Sharks, fifth in the Pacific, have made a massive commitment to their young core led by Macklin Celebrini. With both teams yet to play a game this season, this exhibition will be the first test of their offseason moves.
Florida Panthers: New Era in Net
The Panthers enter the 2026-27 season with a revamped crease, having acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Devils in a five-player deal announced Tuesday. Markstrom is expected to be the new starter, replacing Sergei Bobrovsky, who signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Panthers’ standing at seventh in the Atlantic suggests they are projected as a bubble playoff team, and much will depend on Markstrom’s ability to stabilize the position. Florida has not yet played a game this season, so no player stat lines are available, but the team’s season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on September 29 will be a tough measuring stick. The Panthers will need their retooled roster to gel quickly, and this preseason game against the Sharks offers a chance to build chemistry before the regular season begins.
San Jose Sharks: Celebrini Era Soars
The Sharks have made a franchise-defining move by signing Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million extension, making the 20-year-old center the highest-paid player in the NHL with an $18.8 million average annual value. Celebrini, who will also be the youngest-ever cover athlete for EA Sports’ NHL 27, is the face of the franchise and a key reason for optimism in San Jose. The Sharks also locked up forward Collin Graf on a three-year, $12.75 million deal after he posted 21 goals and 25 assists in 81 games last season. With Celebrini and Graf leading the way, the Sharks’ preseason opener against the Panthers will be the first look at a roster that could surprise in the Pacific Division. The team’s fifth-place projection suggests they are on the rise, and this game will be an early test of their potential.
Head-to-Head: Markstrom vs. Celebrini
The most intriguing matchup in this preseason game will be between new Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom and Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini. Markstrom, acquired to replace Bobrovsky, will be looking to make a strong first impression, while Celebrini will aim to showcase the skills that earned him his massive contract. Both teams are still in early stages of their preseason preparations, so the game may feature a mix of veterans and prospects. Key factors to watch include:
- How quickly Markstrom adapts to his new team’s defensive system.
- Whether Celebrini’s chemistry with linemates like Collin Graf translates to early preseason production.
- The performance of each team’s new acquisitions and young players vying for roster spots.
- Special teams play, as both teams look to establish their power play and penalty kill units.
- Overall goaltending depth, as backups and prospects get playing time.
Prediction
With both teams still finding their footing, this preseason matchup is likely to be a low-scoring, competitive affair. The Panthers’ goaltending uncertainty and the Sharks’ offensive firepower could tilt the game in San Jose’s favor, but preseason games are often unpredictable. Expect the Sharks to come out with energy in front of their home crowd, and for Celebrini to make an early impact. The Panthers will rely on Markstrom to keep them in the game, but the Sharks’ depth and momentum should carry them to a narrow victory.
Prediction: San Jose Sharks win 3-2 in a shootout.
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