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Multiple San Jose Sharks prospects were named to final World Juniors rosters this week and we also got some updates on what a division realignment could look like. Here are the updates:
UPDATE ON SHARKS’ POTENTIAL DIVISION FOR 2020-21 SEASON
As reported by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun earlier this week, the Sharks could see the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues join their division for the season. They would temporarily replace the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks, who would all compete in the Canadian Division.
KNIAZEV AND SPIRIDONOV MAKE RUSSIA’S FINAL ROSTER
Sharks prospects Artemi Kniazev and Yegor Spiridonov will both be representing Russia at the World Juniors this year, after being named to the team’s final roster. Neither player has played at the tournament before.
HATAKKA NAMED TO FINLAND’S FINAL ROSTER
Defenseman Santeri Hatakka will be returning for Finland at this year’s tournament. The Sharks prospect was one of eight defensemen listed on the team’s final roster.
RASKA REMAINS WITH TEAM CZECH REPUBLIC
Sharks prospect Adam Raska remains with Team Czech Republic, though the team has yet to finalize their roster. That said, Raska is a returning player and is a good bet to make the team.
BORDELEAU LEFT OFF USA’S ROSTER
One of San Jose’s most notable prospects, Thomas Bordeleau, was left off USA’s final roster, as a result of COVID protocols. Bordeleau will still be able to compete at next year’s tournament.
As for this week’s poll questions, here are the results and my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: How do you feel about San Jose's playoff chances if the rumoured divisions for the upcoming NHL season are finalized?
(Votes: 96)
Much worse: 65%
Slightly worse: 16%
Same as before: 16%
Slightly better: 2%
Much better: 2%
I definitely don’t like San Jose’s chances of getting back into the playoffs, if they’re in a division against Colorado, Dallas, St. Louis and Vegas. The Sharks may have been able to bounce back in the regular Pacific Division but the competition may be too strong for them in the potential updated division for this season.
QUESTION: What are you most surprised by?
(Votes: 20)
None of the above: 50%
Artemi Kniazev making Team Russia: 20%
Yegor Spiridonov making Team Russia: 15%
Santeri Hatakka: 15%
We figured Hatakka would return for Finland, however, it’s interesting to see both Sharks prospects making Russia’s roster. That said, I agree with the majority here that none of it is overly surprising.
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OTHER SHARKS ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER:
Thomas Bordeleau named to USA’s preliminary WJC roster
Ranking all of San Jose’s offseason moves
Ivan Chekhovich is off to an impressive start in the KHL
Santeri Hatakka named to Finland’s preliminary WJC roster
Weekly Recap: Sharks Edition (December 6)
Does a division realignment help or hurt the Sharks?
Three Sharks prospects named to final World Juniors rosters 
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