Ducks Face Sharks in Preseason Clash as Rosters Mix Veterans and Prospects

Key points

• Anaheim Ducks play San Jose Sharks in a preseason game at 7 p.m. PT on September 24, 2026.
• Ducks lineup includes veterans Nick Jensen, Jeff Malott, and goalies Husso and Brossoit, alongside 2025 and 2026 first-round picks Roger McQueen and Nikita Klepov.
• San Jose Sharks field a near-NHL roster led by Macklin Celebrini, with key prospects Will Smith, Igor Chernyshov, and Ivar Stenberg in the mix.
• Anaheim is on the second game of a back-to-back after losing 2-1 to Los Angeles; San Jose is 0-1-1 in preseason.
• Coach Joel Quenneville praised young players Ethan Procyzsyn and Jayden Kurtz for their recent performances.

Background

This is the third preseason matchup between the Ducks and Sharks. In their first meeting on September 20, 2026, the Ducks defeated the Sharks 6-2 at Honda Center. The Ducks also lost 2-1 to Los Angeles on September 23. The Sharks previously lost 2-1 in a shootout to Vegas and 6-2 to Anaheim. The Ducks recently signed Cutter Gauthier to a six-year contract and made several training camp roster moves.

How outlets are covering it

NHL.com emphasizes the Ducks’ developmental focus, highlighting young players like Procyzsyn and Kurtz, and notes the team’s 1-0-0 record against San Jose this preseason. San Jose Hockey Now focuses on the Sharks’ near-NHL roster and the challenge of evaluating young players against a weaker opponent, noting that San Jose’s top prospects like Will Smith and Ivar Stenberg are being tested. The Sporting Tribune provided images from the September 20 game, showing Ducks players like Nick Jensen and Roger McQueen in action. RotoWire’s coverage was not accessible for detailed analysis.

Why it matters

This game offers a look at how both teams are developing young players and testing line combinations before the regular season. For the Ducks, it’s a chance to evaluate prospects like McQueen and Klepov. For the Sharks, it’s an opportunity to assess whether players like Celebrini, Smith, and Stenberg can step up as game-breakers. The mismatch in roster depth also highlights the different stages of development for each team.

What to watch

The Ducks will play a second road game against the Sharks. The Sharks may add a defenseman via waivers or trade as camps close. Both teams will continue to evaluate players and finalize rosters for the regular season. The Ducks are expected to continue focusing on developing young players, while the Sharks will look to solidify their top lines and power play units.