Sharks Set to Host Expanded Rookie Faceoff; PWHL San Jose Adds New Talent

The San Jose Sharks are gearing up to host the 2026 Rookie Faceoff this fall, a significant event in which they will welcome several other teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Utah Mammoth. According to Mayor’s Manor, this year’s tournament will be notably larger than last year’s, which featured only the Ducks and Kings in Irvine. The event is set to take place at Tech CU Arena.

"From what we’ve been able to gather, some teams only want to play two games,” noted Mayor’s Manor. “Yet, the Kings and Mammoth are confirmed to play three games each.” The Sharks are expected to field a roster of prospects who have yet to secure regular positions in the NHL or play at the collegiate level. Additionally, the Sharks hold the No. 2 and No. 20 picks in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft.

In other Sharks-related news, veteran Joe Pavelski has expressed interest in coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sharks will also be holding a Prospects Scrimmage on July 2, featuring discussions with analysts Scott Wheeler and Joshua Ravensbergen on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast.

Meanwhile, in the realm of women’s hockey, the PWHL San Jose has made headlines by signing Mariah Keopple and Maggie Connors to two-year Standard Player Agreements, further enhancing their roster.

In the NHL playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes are on the brink of clinching the Stanley Cup, needing just one more victory to secure the championship. Historical data suggests that teams leading 3-2 after Game 5 go on to win the Cup 74% of the time.