With the 2024 NHL trade deadline 13 days away, teams across the league are evaluating their positions. For some, it’s roster strengthening for playoffs, while for others, it’s another phase in their rebuilding journey.
Among those poised for change are the San Jose Sharks. Once perennial playoff contenders, the Sharks find themselves with two “worst starts” to a season in a row. No longer the powerhouse they once were, the Sharks will likely navigate trade stock as the deadline approaches.
Forward Mike Hoffman is set to be a UFA at the end of this season. A shoot-first sniper who can take shots on goal from various positions, Hoffman has eight goals and 10 assists. Averaging 14:16 time on ice per game, Hoffman could serve a second power-play unit well.
While his offensive might be on the decline in San Jose, the 34-year-old remains a shooter. Hoffman has 61 shots and 25 takeaways in 53 games played and could see fruitful third line action elsewhere. For the 2023-24 season, his cap hit is $4,500,000.
Another name that’s been in rumors all season long is forward Kevin Labanc. Set to become a UFA after the season, the winger has spent his entire NHL career with San Jose.
In four of his last five seasons with the Sharks, Labanc has seen action as a top six forward. His last top six action was in the 2020-21 season. During that year, the Sharks saw notable trade turnover, including Timo Meier to New Jersey and Nico Sturm from Colorado.
Despite his struggles this year, Labanc’s youth could rebound and develop game outside of San Jose.
Winger Alexander Barabanov has a cap hit of $2,500,000, becoming a UFA at the end of the season. Sidelined for 18 games with a broken finger, Barabanov has nine points in 34 games. In 2022-23, Barabanov had 47 points in 68 games played.
Teams looking to stock up on forward scorers ahead of a playoff run could use Barabanov’s skill set. The big “if” would be if Barabanov can bolster a team’s offensive depth after this season’s struggles. It’s promising in theory.
As recently as Wednesday Mario Ferraro and Luke Kunin were connected to Maple Leafs trade talk. Ferraro signed with the Sharks until 2025-26, while Kunin is a restricted free agent at the end of this season. During a challenging season for the team, Ferraro, a core defenseman, has tallied 13 assists and one goal in 51 games
Kunin was the first player traded during General Manager Mike Grier’s Sharks ownership. The 26-year-old has 10 points in 50 games on the season. He leads the Sharks in penalty minutes with 53.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the Maple Leafs may trade a first-round draft pick for an immediate roster contributor.
The last player likely on the block is Anthony Duclair, whose contract expires at the end of the season. At 28, he is entering the last year of a three-year contract secured directly with the Florida Panthers in 2021.
Duclair is one of the Sharks’ top six forwards this season, with 19 points in 50 games. Nicknamed “The Duke,” the winger has playoff experience and could do well with a team bound for the postseason.
As the San Jose Sharks assess their roster’s future, they face both challenges and opportunities for rebuilding a resilient team.
San Jose plays 27 more games in the regular season and will not contend for a postseason run.
The trade deadline for the 2023-24 NHL season is on March 8.
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Featured image courtesy of San Jose Sharks on NHL.com
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