5 Core Players for the San Jose Sharks Moving Forward

The San Jose Sharks have been among the NHL's most dominant teams since acquiring star center Joe Thornton from the Boston Bruins in 2005. Thornton's arrival instantly transformed a slumping Sharks squad into a top contender. And the first-line pivot, who has worn the captain's "C" on his chest for the last two years, has led San Jose to back-to-back appearances in the Conference Finals.

Joining Thornton in the Sharks' current group of core players is sniper Patrick Marleau, defenseman Dan Boyle and winger Ryane Clowe. Each of these veterans have been key to San Jose's success in recent years and have emerged as terrific players and strong leaders during their time in teal. 

Having said that, Boyle is now 35 years old, and Thornton and Marleau aren't far behind. This trio doesn't have many elite years left, and it won't be long until the Sharks look to their younger players to step up and fill the massive holes left behind by their predecessors.  

Here are five players who will make up the nucleus of this team once its aging stars have fizzled out. 

Joe Pavelski

Known as "Little Joe" in San Jose, Joe Pavelski is a prime example of a late-round draft steal. He was picked in the seventh round of the 2003 entry draft and got his first taste of NHL action in 2006. As a rookie, Pavelski tallied 28 points in 46 games and proceeded to notch 19 goals and 40 points in 82 games the following season.

Now an integral piece of San Jose's top six, Pavelski plays on the top line with Joe Thornton and has registered 38 points in 50 games so far this season. His two-way game, work ethic and leadership qualities have been praised by coaches and teammates alike throughout his NHL career.

He may not have superstar potential and he'll likely never score at a point-per-game pace, but Pavelski is among the league's finest two-way forwards. His versatility and ability to compete in all three zones makes him one of the Sharks' most valuable players, and at only 27 years old, he's got plenty left in the tank.  

Marc-Edouard Vlasic

A 24-year-old native of Montreal, Marc-Edouard Vlasic joined the Sharks in 2006 after being drafted in the second round of the 2005 entry draft. He netted three goals and added 23 assists as a rookie and tallied a career-high 36 points during the 2008-09 season. 

Vlasic is San Jose's top shutdown defenseman and an integral part of their penalty kill. His stick work and positioning are top-notch and he has played with the maturity and composure of a seasoned veteran throughout his brief NHL career. 

This season, Vlasic has displayed a willingness to play a gritty, physical game and has showcased increased confidence with the puck. He continues to blossom into a high-end two-way rearguard and will be a staple on the Sharks' blue line for years to come.  

Logan Couture

Logan Couture has quickly established himself as one of the league's brightest young stars. He was a finalist for the Calder Trophy last year as one of the top three rookies in the NHL after an impressive 32-goal campaign.

Couture's awareness in all areas of the ice, coupled with his high-end offensive skill set, renders him an extremely important piece of San Jose's forward corps. When aging captain Joe Thornton declines, look for Couture to take over as the team's No. 1 center. 

Jason Demers

Despite struggling at times last season and starting off slow this year, Jason Demers has showcased terrific skating ability, strong offensive skills and a willingness to take the body during his brief time in the NHL. He managed 21 points in 51 games as a rookie in 2009-10.

The Sharks have a deep crop of young defensemen developing in the AHL and in juniors, but none of them have the offensive upside that Demers possesses. It's likely he'll take over for Dan Boyle as the team's go-to puck mover from the blue line in a few years. At just 23 years old, he has plenty of time to refine his game and meet his massive potential.  

Brent Burns

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson paid a hefty price to acquire Brent Burns from the Minnesota Wild on draft day. He dealt winger Devin Setoguchi, top prospect Charlie Coyle and a first-round pick to the Wild in exchange for Burns and a second-round pick in this summer's entry draft. 

Burns, who set a career-high for both goals (17) and points (46) last season, struggled to acclimate to San Jose's system early this season. He has since improved his play drastically and has tallied eight points over his last five games. 

Often criticized for poor positioning in his own zone, Burns has made huge strides in his defensive game and has played a key role in San Jose's penalty kill. His offensive production has taken a hit in the process, but he has still registered seven goals and 25 points in 52 games so far this season. 

Burns is already the Sharks' best two-way rearguard and has yet to hit his prime. He'll soon be the club's undisputed No. 1 defenseman. 

Sam Kelly is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @samkelly10.