Not Done Yet: More Offseason Makeovers To Come?

Doug Wilson broke from the draft-and-develop philosophy in favor of cap-eating veteran free agents. Departures of Craig Rivet, Brain Campbell, and even Steve Bernier, led to the blue line makeover that now features Rob Blake, Dan Boyle, and Brad Lukowich.  

While new players are certainly welcomed, Sharks Territory remains wary of this new approach, including Drew Remenda. With the re-signing of Christian Ehrhoff and other minor league prospects, only about $1.3 million remains in the Sharks' treasury.  This is enough to re-sign one valuable Ryane Clowe.

Or is it?  

Should Clowe be awarded that chunk, the Sharks would be at the salary cap ceiling with only seven defensemen.  An eighth is crucial for depth and insurance for injuries, especially Kyle McLaren.  

Numerous solutions are available, but most involve heartbreak and anxiety for a Sharks fan base dearly attached to its players:

 A. Trade Jonathan Cheechoo.

Like the Craig Rivet trade, this might be an even less popular move.  Cheechoo, two seasons removed from a 56-goal campaign, is seeing his productivity sink even further.  At $3 million per season, he is a considerable bargain his capabilities.  Recently, his name has not been swirling around the rumor mill, but neither was Rivet's.  A player-pick package may provide cap relief and further restock their draft pick supply.  Likelihood: mild.

B. Trade Kyle McLaren.

Kyle McLaren's physical tenacity was valuable to a Sharks team lacking the trait overall.  His durability crumbled, though, especially in the playoffs.  At $2.5 million this season, he can provide financial breathing space for the Sharks and a future team (as an expiring contract.)  On 7 July, the Ottawa Sun reported the Senators' interest in McLaren.  But if the CHI-OTT-LAK trade rumor--involving Ottawa D Andrej Mazaros--fizzles out, then McLaren can be their backup plan. Regardless, McLaren remains an extremely moveable piece.  Likelihood: high.

C. Trade Patrick Marleau.

Should the Montreal Canadiens fail to land Mats Sundin, that $8 million reserve can accomdate Patrick Marleau.  Tomas Plekanec (29-40-69) and Chris Higgins (27-25-52) each are owed less than $2 million (but both RFAs next season.) Montreal holds a pick in each round of the 2009 Draft, making a player-pick package the most beneficial for the Sharks.  But it will create a subsequent vacancy for a No. 2 center and team captaincy if Marleau even waives his no-trade clause.  Likelihood: low.

D. Call up a prospect defenseman.

The Sharks can explore the abilities of a rookie defenseman if a roster one get injured.  Three defensemen scored 30+ points for AHL Worcester, with Derek Joslin (10-24-34) turning heads on their power play.  Patrick Traverse, who has NHL experience, was hailed for his consistency.  Final scouting reports indicate that prospects remain talented, but underdeveloped.  Doug Wilson tampered with the future enough, so expect him to allow their maturation.  Likelihood: less than mild.

Of course, there are many unmentioned possibilities, including re-signing Alexei Semenov for lesser money, trading Ryane Clowe, or staying put.  But the absence of a depth defenseman, cap constraints, and underdeveloped prospects signal something to come.

Regardless of the outcome, the offseason activities are starting point towards a sign: Stanley Cup or Bust.