The San Jose Sharks, 15-35-7, 8th in Pacific Division, and dead last in league standings, remain firmly in rebuild mode. With the upcoming March 7 trade deadline, several players could hold potential chips on the trade chopping block.
Luke Kunin, 27, carries a $2.75 million cap hit and becomes a free agent this summer. The Sharks may move him for a mid-round pick. Kunin has two-way game and playoff experience from two post-season runs with Nashville (2020-22). In 57 games with the Sharks this season, Kunin has 11 goals, seven assists, and averages 15:07 TOI. The 6-foot forward could bring depth to a team needing a bottom-six grinder.
Nico Sturm, 29, is another unrestricted free agent who could be on the move. He holds a $2 million cap hit and excels in the faceoff circle. Per StatMuse, Sturm leads the league this season in faceoff wins at 63.7 percent.
Rutta, 34, is in the final year of his deal and has a $2.75 million cap hit. The 6-foot-3 defenseman has playoff experience from four straight playoff runs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. As a defenseman with Stanley Cup experience (2020 and 2021), he offers depth for a contender’s blue line. His defensive reliability makes him a likely deadline rental.
Klim Kostin, 25, is a restricted free agent after this season. He carries a $2 million cap hit and offers heavyweight size, physicality, and offensive upside. Kostin has just four points in 26 games. The Sharks could move him if they don’t see him as part of their long-term vision.
Alexandar Georgiev, 29, holds a $2.9 million cap hit and hits free agency this summer. While Georgiev has inconsistent numbers in net (10-18-0, 3.66 GAA, .875 SV%), he has starting experience. The netminder could attract interest from teams that need depth in net.
It’s also worth noting that Team Teal has issues with their goaltending. They moved on from MacKenzie Blackwood, who was one of their most reliable netminders this season. Meanwhile, Yaroslav Askarov, currently playing for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL, could be unleashed next season. Drafted 11th overall in 2020, the 22-year-old could be key if the Sharks transition to a younger core in net.
Vitek Vanecek, 29, carries a $3.4 million cap hit and is in the final year of his deal. Like Georgiev, he could be an insurance option for a team seeking goaltending stability later on. If the Sharks do go for a youth move, Askarov could be their next No. 1 goaltender, making it more likely they move at least one of their current netminders.
Veteran Barclay Goodrow, 31, remains a trade or buyout candidate. His contract carries additional years through 2026-27, which complicates a move. Goodrow has just seven points in 52 games. However, his leadership, physical play, and championship experience could appeal to a team looking for depth in the future.
Ferraro, 26, remains under contract through 2026-27 at $3.25 million annually. While not an immediate trade candidate, the Sharks could revisit moving him in the future. Averaging nearly 20 minutes per game, Ferraro is 10 points shy of matching his career-high 21 points in a season. With the trade of Cody Ceci, Ferraro has likely stepped into the Sharks’ No. 2 defenseman role. His defensive reliability and leadership make him a valuable asset.
With March 7 just three weeks away, Team Teal could look to make moves from expiring contracts and veteran players.
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Featured image courtesy of San Jose Sharks on NHL.com
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