The Sharks used the "next man up" mantra quite a bit last season when several of their key players got hurt.
With former captain Joe Pavelski departing for Dallas, San Jose will be preaching that same message yet again. Everyone, from its already established leadership corps to its up-and-coming stars, will have to hear it.
That includes Timo Meier, who officially re-signed with the Sharks on a four-year contract Monday.
"This is a chance for guys like me to step up," Meier said on a Monday conference call with reporters. "It gives us a chance to take it to another level.