3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the San Jose Sharks this Season

The San Jose Sharks sit 31st in the league with a 14-26-6 record, making them a prime contender for top-end draft selection. With the Sharks in the midst of a rebuild, selling the team to gather draft assets is a priority. While many big names could potentially take leave with the organization, there are three that stand out the most.

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Give Granlund Some Support and Trade him to a Contender

Mikael Granlund, 32, is currently in the prime of his career. This season, the former Nashville Predator has tallied 37 points (12 goals and 25 assists) in 44 games. This puts him on pace for one of his best seasons yet. Granlund has been given many opportunities with the Sharks as he is the team’s first-line centerman. He has certainly taken advantage of this opportunity as he has recorded 97 points (24 goals, 73 assists) in his 113 games played with the organization.

With an expiring deal making him a UFA this summer, it is the ideal time to capitalize on his success and get some assets in return. Granlund has an annual cap hit of $5 million, which is a quality deal for his caliber. Considering the Sharks have no worries regarding their cap situation, they’ll gladly retain salary in order to gain more picks and prospects.

Vanecek is Being Pushed Out by Askarov

Ever since his injury earlier this season, Vitek Vanecek’s hopes of seeing ice time with the Sharks are getting dimmer by the day. Rookie goaltender Yaroslav Askarov has been the talk of the league recently, as he has been recording outstanding numbers game after game. With this in mind, Vanecek, 29, may struggle to share the backup position with Askarov who is looking to be their future franchise goalie.

Vanecek is in the final year of his three-year, $10.2 million deal with a cap hit of $3.4 million. While his numbers this year may not be impressive, a 0.885 save percentage and a 3.84 GAA, he is playing on the second-weakest defensive team in the league. He recorded quality numbers during his starting tenure such as his 0.911 SV% with the New Jersey Devils in the 2022-23 season.

Ferraro is Attracting Attention League-wide

Mario Ferraro, 26, has garnered the attention of many teams across the league. Known for his stay-at-home style, Ferraro is a must-have asset for any team struggling to keep the puck out of the net. Last season blocked the 8th most shots in the league with 195. His hard-hitting, physical play style puts pressure on the opposition and allows the Sharks’ offense to kick into gear.

Even though Ferraro has another year left on his contract after this season, he can still be a valuable piece to ship off. He is currently getting paid $3.25 million a year, and for the ice time and role Ferraro plays, it is one of the best in the league. This season, Ferraro mans the second defensive line averaging nearly 20 minutes a game. With his alternate captaincy, any team would benefit from his presence in the locker room and on the ice.

Next: 3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the Montreal Canadiens