That’s why it’ll be interesting to see what Sharks general manager Mike Grier does with the first-round draft pick he acquired from the Dallas Stars earlier this month in exchange for forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci. The Sharks also received a conditional 2025 third-round pick in the deal.

The 4 Nations Face-Off features most of the best players from Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland, and gives stars like Connor McDavid, San Ramon-born Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mikko Rantanen a chance to play in this type of event for the first time in their professional careers.

Few NHL teams need some time away from the rink more than the San Jose Sharks. In their last game before the league pauses its schedule to hold the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Sharks gave up three goals in a lopsided first period.