If the Sharks are to avoid a dreaded three-year NHL playoff drought, they'll need strong, bounce-back seasons from their veteran stars.
Erik Karlsson, in particular.
The 13-year NHL veteran is coming off a down year last season, but his confidence remains sky-high.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE “I obviously still think that I’m one of the best players in the world," Karlsson said prior to Saturday's season opener. "That’s where I’ve been for a very long time, that’s where I want to go, that’s where I want to stay.
“I’ve claimed that time at the top and I want to stay at the top. For me, that’s always going to be my expectation, and I hope that that’s going to be the case for the rest of my career, not only this year.”
The 31-year-old tallied just 22 points last season, his lowest since the 2012-13 season (14) in which he played just 17 games.
After signing him to an eight-year, $92 million contract in 2019, the Sharks plan on Karlsson sticking around for a while. Entering his fourth season with the team, the two sides are hoping he returns to form.
San Jose Sharks
Find the latest San Jose Sharks news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
“He’s a prideful guy," Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. "I think he wants to have a rebound season. He’s prepared for that. He’s got a sense of seriousness to his approach and I think great players figure it out. You can’t teach what he has.
“It’s up to our coaching staff to provide that structure and the details, but a big onus is going to be on him to perform.”
RELATED: Sharks rookie Weatherby scores in NHL debut, ties game
Karlsson tallied his first point of the season Saturday night on an assist in the Sharks' 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets.