Sharks Free Agents and Trade Targets

Sharks Free Agents and Trade Targets

Important Note: This article comes courtesy of Zakk DeVine we appreciate his contribution to Teal Town USA.

Planning for the next phase of the organization starts this summer. Even if Joe Thornton returns to the Sharks this fall, as expected, depth down the middle is key. Logan Couture has the second center locked down and depending on where you stand, Tomas Hertl is a winger best used on the top lines (correct) or the Sharks long-lost third line pivot (jury still very much out).

Secondary scoring remains a need for the squad as Joel Ward’s production fell again last year and Mikkel Boedker’s signing showed no early returns for San Jose. Joonas Donskoi separated his shoulder twice last season, limiting his ability to do much besides fill a roster spot. Assuming all three get back to some form, the forward group still possess more question marks than necessary for a team struggling to return to real Stanley Cup contention.

Free Agents

Patrick Eaves – Right Wing
If Marleau departs, the opening on the wing will be an area the Sharks need to fill. Eaves scored 32 goals split between the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks. He is a bit older at 33 but bringing in the winger could hedge the Sharks bet on Mikkel Boedker returning to form. Eaves is the only non-center listed here, and his late-career scoring surge is a bit of a concern, but goals are the goal.

Sam Gagner – Center
The power play specialist paid off as the Columbus Blue Jackets deployed him masterfully in limited duty. Gagner still has the offensive upside that could bring scoring on the man advantage and secondary scoring. He still has the chops to impact the scoresheet and will get a raise over the $1 million contract he received last season.

Nick Bonino – Center
Once upon a time, Bonino was a San Jose Shark selected in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The next ten years saw Bonino evolve into a capable third line center with offensive capability. Bonino returning to the franchise that drafted him could add versatility to the roster allowing Hertl to move back to the wing where he is a more impactful player. Bonino would immediately fill that gap in a role he has proven to be effective.

Trade Targets

Wilson has a knack for securing top-flight talent for the Sharks in the trade market. Joe Thornton, Brent Burns and Martin Jones all arrived after masterful trades and the time is near when another magic trick is needed.

Matt Duchene – Center
Amazingly, the Colorado Avalanche are shopping the third overall pick of the 2009 draft. If they are hellbent on moving Duchene, he would solve both current and future issues for San Jose. Duchene is a bonafide top center with speed, talent and a stupendous contract at just $6 million for the next two years. His deal would run out around when Thornton likely hangs up the skates, so he is a natural fit in the salary planning cycle as well. Colorado is said to want a top defender in return.

Alex Killorn – Center/Left Wing
This trade likely only makes sense ahead of the expansion draft as the Tampa Bay Lightning have protection slot issues as well as a number of restricted free agents that will need money and term. Killorn averaged 38 points over the last four seasons and adding him to the middle-six likely comes are a far more palatable price than the others centers mentioned. He is not exactly affordable for a mid-level forward at $4.45 million, but it is through the 2022-23 season. Killorn also has a no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1, so if the Lightning are thinking trade, it needs to be now.

John Tavares – Center
The chances of this are minuscule, but elite centers are rare to come onto the market and even more unusual to move. Tavares has languished on Long Island (and Brooklyn), and if Islanders general manager Garth Snow cannot secure the services of the 2009 first overall pick, he’ll at least have to listen to offers on the Islanders captain. Tavares would present a cap crunch as he has just one year remaining on his current deal, even if it’s an affordable $5.5 million this season.

Closing Thoughts – Forwards

Five of the six players mentioned here are centers, and that is not an accident. Planning for the eventual departure of Joe Thornton must begin now. Patrick Marleau is no lock to return to the Sharks and said he feels he could play for another five years. The issues the Sharks had on the power play and up front should have them looking on the offensive side of the puck.

The Sharks likely would have to be willing to dangle some combination of Tomas Hertl, Timo Meier Justin Braun and Brenden Dillon and secondary pieces as well to pull in a top center.

Every trade deadline, entry draft and July 1, teams look to add defense. This might be the year the Sharks do not. Even losing a player from the defensive crops, looking for a defender is not a priority.

If the Sharks lose David Schlemko or Brenden Dillon in the expansion draft, both are a left-handed defenseman. Losing either would allow for the preferred left/right combination as two righties are ready for the next step: Dylan DeMelo looks ready for a full-time gig, and Tim Heed likely gets a long look as well. Joakim Ryan is coming along and Mirco Mueller still has time to develop.