Sharks Receiving “Legitimate Offers” In Competitive Trade Talks Involving Second Overall Pick

The San Jose Sharks are in a position where the second overall pick in the NHL Draft will help them if they use it, but it could also be used in trade talks for a player that might help them much sooner. The Sharks were in the thick of the playoff race much deeper than most fans expected this past season, thanks to Macklin Celebrini quickly becoming one of the world’s best players, and they believe that this could be the year they make it back to the postseason.

If it is time for the Sharks to return to the playoffs, the second-overall pick likely won’t help them get there this season. When the Toronto Maple Leafs select Gavin McKenna as expected, that would leave either Chase Reid or Ivar Stenberg in the Sharks’ hands, and neither player is likely ready to make an impact on opening night. If San Jose decides to trade the second overall pick, they’ll receive at least a star player to help their playoff dreams, and according to Eric Stephens via X, formerly Twitter, there is a bidding war for the pick.

“Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s had five teams that have been ‘very consistently serious’ about asking for the No. 2 pick and that his group has discussed a ‘couple legitimate offers.'”

The Sharks made another surprising move on Tuesday afternoon when they traded William Eklund and two other prospects to the Ottawa Senators for the ninth-overall pick. That usually wouldn’t raise eyebrows, but after the Florida Panthers traded Mackie Samoskevich to acquire the additional first-round pick that got them the Brady Tkachuk trade, it’s easy to now wonder if San Jose is stockpiling first-round picks to go fishing for a big name.

The second-overall pick, along with the ninth and 27th, would certainly fetch the Sharks a superstar return, but it is also possible that Grier could keep the second pick to draft Stenberg, while using the other first-rounders to grab a more veteran defenseman. They would likely be looking at Anton Frondell as a similar pathway for Stenberg, with him coming to San Jose at the end of next season to supplement a potential playoff run.

Next: Blockbuster Trade Theory Between Maple Leafs and Sharks Emerges