1996–97 San Jose Sharks season

The 1996–97 San Jose Sharks season was the Sharks' sixth season of operation in the National Hockey League. The Sharks again failed to make the playoffs, finishing 13th in the Western Conference.

Offseason
Defenseman Todd Gill was named team captain, following the departure of Jeff Odgers.

Regular season
On October 18, the Sharks scored three short-handed goals in a 4–1 win over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

The Sharks finished the regular season last in scoring (211 goals for) and had the most power-play opportunities against (409).

Schedule and results

 * Legend:
 * Legend:

Scoring

 * Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
 * † = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Sharks only.
 * ‡ = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Sharks only.

Draft picks
San Jose's picks at the 1996 NHL Entry Draft held at the Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri.