Colorado Avalanche
Is Sharks Trade for Georgiev Little More Than a Layover?
When the San Jose Sharks acquired Alexandar Georgiev, did they do it to keep him with their team? Or will he be moved at the trade deadline?
The San Jose Sharks’ acquisition of Alexandar Georgiev was interesting because of the significant package the Sharks received from the Colorado Avalanche and the questions surrounding Georgiev’s future. With the Sharks likely missing the playoffs and focusing on a rebuild, Georgiev’s time in San Jose might be more of a layover than a long-term commitment.
Why the Sharks Might Flip Georgiev
Georgiev’s numbers this season tell the story. With an 8-7-0 record, a 3.38 goals-against average, and a .874 save percentage, his performance fell well short of the expectations Colorado had when they trusted him with the starter’s role. The Avalanche, clearly dissatisfied, made a bold move last week to acquire Scott Wedgewood. That signaled their lack of confidence in Georgiev as a long-term solution.
Georgiev finds himself in a vastly different situation with the Sharks. San Jose is a team in transition, prioritizing development over immediate contention. The Sharks have younger goalies waiting for chances. If Georgiev struggles to show improvement, he could quickly find himself relegated to a backup role behind Vitek Vanecek or a developing netminder.
Given that Georgiev is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season, the Sharks have little incentive to keep him unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Instead, moving him for prospects or draft picks ahead of the trade deadline could provide valuable assets for the Sharks’ rebuild.
Georgiev’s Trade Value and Market
While his current stats aren’t sparkling, Georgiev does have a track record of solid goaltending. Teams needing a capable backup or an experienced netminder for a playoff push might find him appealing, especially with his contract expiring after the season.
The Sharks could position Georgiev as an attractive rental option for contenders with goaltending depth issues. His recent strong showing for Colorado against Detroit—where he stopped 29 of 30 shots—demonstrates his potential to bounce back when given the right circumstances.
What San Jose Stands to Gain
Trading Georgiev would align with the Sharks’ long-term strategy. While Mackenzie Blackwood, the goalie shipped out in this deal, represented a younger option, the return for Georgiev in prospects or draft capital could yield even more significant benefits.
Additionally, the Sharks can fully commit to evaluating and developing their younger goaltenders by moving Georgiev. This would ensure that their rebuild aligns with their organizational priorities, rather than dedicating resources to a veteran whose future with the team is uncertain.
Was Georgiev a Necessary Move?
Unless Georgiev performs exceptionally well with the Sharks, his tenure in San Jose will not last beyond the trade deadline. For the Sharks, trading him would be a pragmatic move that benefits both the team’s rebuild and Georgiev’s career by potentially placing him on a playoff-bound roster.
The Sharks’ decision to acquire Georgiev was a gamble, but they can capitalize on it. By flipping him before the trade deadline, they could turn a transitional piece into a valuable building block for the future.
Answer to the Alexandar Georgiev Riddle: When Can a Goalie Become a Shortstop?
The answer to how a goalie becomes a shortstop is easy: when his time with his new team is brief. Georgiev’s stint with the Sharks might fit that description perfectly. With the Sharks focused on rebuilding and Georgiev’s contract expiring after next season, his future likely hinges on his performance.
If he doesn’t impress, the Sharks will trade him by the deadline, flipping their new goalie acquisition into prospects or picks—making his stay in San Jose a shortstop.
Related: Avalanche Wedgewood Trade: Unexpected Change vs. Oilers?
