On Tuesday, the Sharks' disappointing season officially ended.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league would go straight to the playoffs when it returns, with a modified 24-team format after the league suspended its season in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Sharks were 29-36-5 when the season was suspended and in last place in the Western Conference.
Sharks general manager Doug Wilson understands why the decision to end the regular season was made given the current state of the public health crisis.
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"While we are disappointed that the San Jose Sharks will not be able to complete our 2019-20 season, we understand and respect the decision made by the NHL and the NHL Players' Association. We are already well into our extensive season review process and will use this opportunity to build on what we have already started to ensure our club is ready for the start of the 2020-21 season," Wilson said in a statement.
The Sharks now will face a long offseason in which they must try to quickly rebuild in order to get back to Stanley Cup contention. The Sharks will face a number of questions this offseason, and how they answer them will go along way in propelling them back to the top of the Western Conference.
[RELATED: Sharks' road back to Stanley Cup contention filled with many hurdles]
When the 2020-21 season will start still is up in the air. The public health crisis will determine when it can be played and what that will look like.
San Jose Sharks
For now, the Sharks will put a bow on a disappointing season and head into a long offseason with many questions to answer.