NHL Trade Rumors : San Jose Sharks and Possible Trade Partners
The San Jose Sharks are heading down the stretch and preparing to put their team through the playoff push that will test their mettle and toughness.
With the deadline fast approaching, this is again that time of the year that provides change and projections for many teams both in the hunt and out.
The winds of change have begun to blow through the Shark roster, with the recent additions of Ben Eager and Kyle Wellwood. With the Western Conference as tight as ever, and the Eastern Conference playoff picture slowly rounding out to form, player movement is right around the corner.
With teams falling out of contention for the playoffs, pending free agents, players that have fallen out of favor and players valuable to playoff teams will be dealt to acquire assets for the future.
By now the inconsistencies of this season are clearly evident, and the need to bolster the Shark blue line was never more prevalent than now.
Here is a list of possible trade targets and teams for the San Jose Sharks.
For the purpose of discussion, I have excluded movement clauses on contracts for this article.
All stats courtesy of Behind the Net
All salary figures courtesy of Cap Geek
This article is a follow up to a previous article from before the season started. To read that article, click here.
Shark UFAs at the Deadline
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UFAs:
Scott Nichol : Nichol has played his role to a T this year, providing a spark and jump for the fourth line. Although his services could be of use to another team, it's not likely to be one in rebuild mode. With the addition of Kyle Wellwood, however, the glut of center depth may make Nichol expendable. Nichol is currently serving a four-game suspension for a hit to the head of Phoenix Coyotes defenseman David Schlemko.
Jamal Mayers : While Mayers played well early this year, he has struggled to fill the sizable void left by Manny Malhotra. The coaching staff has entrusted Jamal on the PK far too much this year, with less than desirable results. Most likely a scratch come playoff time depending on what other moves are coming down the pipeline.
Niclas Wallin : Wallin is an easy choice to be moved, given the Sharks need on the blue line, and his experience as a Stanley Cup winner adds value. Having a cap hit of $2.5 million, he is an obvious target in salary dump to make room for the newcomer.
Kent Huskins : Huskins is another easy choice and at $1.7 million a year, could certainly be moved to help clear salary. Both he and Wallin have missed some time this year due to injury and the Sharks have depth to take their minutes.
Not likely to be moved : Ben Eager, Kyle Wellwood, Antti Niemi.
Shark RFAs at the Deadline
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RFAs :
Devin Setoguchi : Devin has failed to recapture his scoring touch since his breakout season and has missed time this year due to injury. Although his trade value is historically low, he still represents great value for a young player with good wheels and good skill set.
With just 12 points through 38 games, he provides great value to a GM savvy enough to realize he's a more complete player than he was when he recorded 65 points the the 2008-2009 campaign.
Setoguchi's cap hit is $1.8 million, which provides some interesting challenges when talking about a possible trade.
Jamie McGinn : McGinn is a hard working fourth liner who has played decently in some stretches this year, but would not offer much to a rebuilding team. While he may not light up the scoreboard, he plays his role quite well and provides the fourth skater on a roster lacking right wing depth.
Benn Ferriero : The former seventh-round pick of the Phoenix Coyotes has displayed a great skill set this year and is one of the Sharks best skaters. His cap hit is $850,000, and he is a young developing player, who is solidifying his role on the third line. He should not be moved given his skating ability on a roster not known for skaters, and right wing depth.
John McCarthy : McCarthy is a great energy winger and has had some shining moments this year with his effort and determination. With the recent Eager acquisition, however, he is a skater currently without a spot on the deep San Jose roster.
Derek Joslin : Joslin has seemingly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, being scratched a number of times this season. He's in his third year and cannot seem to perform when given the chance, but provides very little value in cap relief at $500,000.
Ottawa Senators
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The Ottawa Senators are enduring a season with a roster that is unraveling at the seams and are obvious sellers. While the Senators may not have the warm and fuzzies after the Dany Heatley trade, it's clear that a rebuild needs to take place.
It's been reported that GM Bryan Murray wants to move a blue liner, specifically Chris Campoli, Brian Lee or Chris Phillips.
The Sharks breakout struggled mightily during last years playoff defeat against the eventual Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks. And while their need for a top four shutdown defenceman is also quite obvious, adding a puck mover who is capable of eating up minutes and relieving Boyle on the PP would do wonders.
Enter Chris Phillips of the Senators, a former first-round draft pick who is floundering on a bad team and may just need a change of scenery to get his career back on track.
Why the Sharks want him :
He can help the breakout, has a decent shot from the point and can spell Boyle on the man advantage. Even though he's not known for his physical play, he has a good frame with size at 6'3", 217 lbs.
This Senator team needs a shakeup, with ownership silent, a GM who is befuddled with his roster and a coach who still thinks he can win. The Sens will miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons after nine straight postseason appearances; something has got to give soon.
Why it might not work :
His cap hit is $3.5 million, and Phillips figures to be out of Ottawa's long term plans with youngster Erik Karlsson's emergence. A second-round draft pick next year will probably do, but San Jose would have some serious cap space to clear.
Murray is still picking the sand out of his teeth from the Heatley trade and may be on the hot seat having served as GM for the last seven years.
Other possible targets : Chris Neil
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Vancouver Canucks
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Vancouver's Kevin Bieksa has had rumors floating around his name for quite some time now, and his skill set would be quite useful. Vancouver had the unenviable task of making Bieksa fit along a now crowded blue line once Salo could return. But recent injuries to depth defenceman Alberts and Rome make the logjam more managable for the Canucks.
Alberts sustained an injury against the Wild on a late hit by Brad Staubitz, while Rome is expected to miss three weeks after being injured against the Caps.
Bieksa has had an inconsistent career but is playing quite well for a team that looked to replace him with Ballard in free agency last year.
Why the Sharks want him :
Bieksa is a gritty defenceman who does not mind getting down and dirty and has a decent shot from the point. He is capable of big time minutes and playing in big situations, but can take the odd penalty in the playoffs from time to time.
He is averaging 21 minutes a night with 17 points through 45 games for the NHL leading Canucks.
Why it might not work :
While people who want Bieksa can point to the Ehrhoff/Lukowich trade as definite proof that anything can happen, I don't see Bieksa becoming a Shark. He is playing well for the team now, and with the previously mentioned injuries, the logjam on defence isn't as big of a problem.
I highly doubt Vancouver would want to trade Bieksa to the rival San Jose Sharks without a massive overpay in terms of compensation. If Bieksa was truly a target for the Sharks, before the season started was the time to pull the trigger, not at the deadline and not with the Canucks as hot as they are.
Other possible targets : Ballard
Calgary Flames
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Robyn Regehr is a big shutdown blueliner who likes to get nasty and intimidate his opponents—exactly what the Sharks need. With Calgary currently out of the playoffs but still within relative striking distance, the Flames are not guaranteed to be big sellers.
However, with Darryl Sutter stepping down and Jay Feaster taking over for the Flames, many people are expecting the rebuilding to commence. While their top asset is still Jarome Iginla, many other players can also be added to the list for future assets.
However sound a Iginla trade may be from a hockey operations standpoint, it would create a bit of backlash from the community and fanbase to be sure.
Iginla has suffered through some lean years after falling short in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals and is a pillar in the community and team.
With every passing game, Calgary looks to be looking more and more towards the future and moving assets while they are valuable, something Feaster knows plenty about.
Why the Sharks want him :
Regehr would immediately take over the shutdown role currently handled by Vlasic, would eat up heavy minutes and play in all situations. More importantly, he would bring a level of nastiness and physicality to a defensive core and a team not known for that style of play.
He is averaging 21 minutes a game and would be under contract moving forward.
Why it might not work :
With or without Darryl Sutter, the Flames aren't likely to trade Regehr to the Sharks without an expected level of overpay. Doug Wilson's track record isn't one of overpaying and may balk if the Flames were to ask for too much.
Regehr is signed through 2012 at a rate of $4 million per and would make trading a player like Setoguchi more palatable.
Other possible targets : Anton Babchuk, Steve Staios
New Jersey Devils
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You could really put any one of the New Jersey Devils on this slide, and it wouldn't be too much of a reach. They are in a disaster of a season after being held hostage in the Ilya Kovalchuk mess in the offseason and have endured some bad games this year.
I mean, when people are whispering about Martin Brodeur being possibly moved, you know it's got to be bad.
As the only UFA defenceman after this season, Andy Greene could be a cap casualty on a roster trying to free up as much cap space as possible. Greene put up 37 points last season and is averaging 20 minutes a game with 16 points so far this year.
At 28 and in the prime of his career, but with the team in turmoil, a number of contracts up at the end of the season they may have no choice but to trade Greene now.
Why the Sharks want him :
Greene is one of the best value defencemen in the league, making just $737,500 this season and could be had for a second-round draft pick. He can move the puck and help the breakout as well as special teams and is a good team player.
He's entering the prime of his career, and while he still holds value for New Jersey, they simply may not have a choice with Zach Parise needing a raise. Either let him go as a free agent for nothing in the summer or get a return from the San Jose Sharks.
Why it might not work :
New Jersey may not want to let go of Greene and instead opt to dump Henrik Tallinder, who has been less than impressive this year.
Carolina Hurricanes
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With a logjam of expiring contracts, the Hurricanes have some serious questions at the conclusion of this season. Joni Pitkanen is a UFA defenceman whose cap hit is $4 million and is one of 13 free agents in Carolina.
With the Sharks needing a bolster, Pitkanen fills the need decently and is a big body who can clear the crease with an edge when needed.
Why the Sharks want him :
Pitkanen is a big body and can play with a edge that is needed during the postseason. He isn't known for his offensive upside, but would provide a good pairing with Vlasic on the second pairing.
He would most likely take the mantle of shutdown guy currently assigned to Vlasic who leads all Sharks in defensive zone starts.
He can take on heavy minutes, averaging over 24 minutes a game this season. He's also a left-handed shot, which would not disrupt pairings if Wallin or Huskins were to be moved.
Why it might not work :
It remains to be seen what the Hurricanes would want in return given their roster and the amount of upheaval that may take place. Although a draft pick may be sufficient return for the 'Canes, Pitkanen would be allowed to walk for free unless the Sharks resigned him.
He not known as the most durable defenceman, although he has not missed any time this season.
Other possible targets : Ian White
Minnesota Wild
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Brent Burns has been dogged by the injury bug in seasons past, but this year is rounding out quite nicely for the defenceman. With 13 goals and 15 assists through 44 games, Burns is enjoying a very solid season. Selected to his first NHL All-Star Game with his exceptional play this season, Burns has been a rock on the back end for the Wild.
With a need for offense and four pending UFA wingers, Minnesota wants some scoring to help even out the team's strengths.
He's an exceptional skater and would help the Sharks break out in many different levels, although he's not always as solid in his own end.
Second on the team in Quality of Competition rating, Burns takes on some fierce competition and can hold his own defensively.
Why the Sharks want him :
Burns is a big body, can skate exceptionally well and is capable of playing the wing in a pinch. His offensive upside, along with puck moving ability, will help the Sharks put together a strong reliable breakout in the playoffs.
He can also play on the power play, and much like Pavelski, be moved around due to his versatility having formerly played at right wing. Burns also lends depth at that position if need be or if injuries are a concern for the short term.
Why it might not work :
The Wild coaching staff knows the Sharks well and may be asking too high of a price for the defenceman. Like the Calgary and Vancouver scenarios, overpay is the name of the game here.
Burns has ridden the minus train the last three years of his career, not an alarming sign given his puck moving ability, but still a concern.
He shoots right, so if Wallin or Huskins were to leave as projected, that leaves a spot on the defensive rotation open. This means that someone will have to man the point with the offhand or McLellan will have to get creative in his pairings. Minor detail but one worth mentioning.
Other possible targets : John Madden, Cal Clutterbuck
Nashville Predators
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Talk about reaching for the stars, eh? Shea Weber is one player who many Sharks fans would drool to see taking the ice for Team Teal. He is the captain of the Nashville Predators and one hell of a defenceman, who would immediately fill a top pairing role.
Weber is an RFA at the end of the season and David Poile would have to be silly not to resign him. Although he's had a slightly down year, he is still deserving of a pay raise coming off of a $4.5 million deal.
Why the Sharks want him :
"Why wouldn't they want him?" is a more legitimate question, as he's pretty much everything you want in a top defenceman. He's a leader, commands a terrific shot, leads a great breakout, plays heavy minutes and can play the opponent's top guns.
If a trade is not consummated during the season, the Sharks need to throw everything and the kitchen sink at him as a RFA.
Why it might not work :
Nashville would be foolish to trade him unless they had no intention of resigning him in the offseason. Despite "rumors" that float around predicting the young captain's next destination, I just can't believe that Nashville will let him walk.
Weber holds all the cards and is in complete control of his own destiny. He can either elect to go to arbitration and sign a one year deal and be a UFA after that year, or force a trade if no new contract seems likely.
The Sharks would have to give up some serious pieces for this trade to work simply from a Nashville perspective. Managing to resign him would also be another huge hurdle for the Sharks who are already up against the cap.
Other possible targets : Ryan Suter
Toronto Maple Leafs
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By now the Kaberle trade drums that have pounded for two years straight are rising to a crescendo as Maple Leafs fans hope a move is near. While we could discuss Kaberle, the player most likely moving is Francois Beauchemin. Most known to Sharks fans during his time with the Ducks, Beauchemin is a solid defenceman for the Leafs.
While many fans don't want Beauchemin as he isn't exactly setting the world on fire (one goal, nine assists, minus-3 rating) he still has value to the Sharks. Behind the Net shows that Beauchemin takes on the hardest minutes, leading all Maple Leafs in Quality of Competition rating. He plays the toughest minutes and is asked to anchor the defence on a team with exceedingly high expectations.
Why the Sharks want him :
Beauchemin still has a decent offensive upside and can log heavy minutes against top-rated opposition. The price tag isn't likely to be too high, and he has won the Cup in the West before. He has a good left-handed shot from the point and is a leader type in the locker room.
He's under contract for another year at $3.8 million, which means he's not a rental, but a tad high for a player who does not contribute much offensively.
While Beauchemin is a minus 3 at the moment, keep in mind that's on a team that's been outscored 129-111, and he leads the team in ice time and on the PK.
Why it might not work :
Beauchemin is clearly an important piece of the Maple Leafs team and may fetch a higher price than what would normally be face value.
Other possible targets : Tomas Kaberle, Clarke MacArthur
Phoenix Coyotes
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It wasn't so long ago that a fateful Scott Mellanby slap shot ended a rat's life and started the odd craze of throwing plastic rats onto the ice for the Florida Panthers. The Panthers had a run to the Finals that year, highlighted by goalie John Vanbiesbrouck and then-young Ed Jovanovski.
One Uwe Krupp shot and 15 years later, Jovanovski is still one of the league's feared hitters and capable of taking on heavy minutes against top flight opposition.
Jovocop has certainly lost a step in his age, but he's still one of the nastier defenceman you would want to meet in the crease.
The Coyotes employ a score by committee method and captain Shane Doan needs help; GM Don Maloney is not happy with his forward group.
They have also picked up Michal Rozsival in the Wolski trade with the New York Rangers, prompting speculation that Jovanovski could be on the move.
With 11 pending free agents after the season comes to a close, the Coyotes need to decide on which direction they want to go with Jovanovski becoming a UFA.
Why the Sharks want him :
Jovanovski is still the prototypical defenceman, and although he's on the back end of his career, can still play a nasty physical game. He would instantly transform the Sharks crease into a very uncomfortable place and can man the power play if asked to.
Why it might not work :
The Coyotes may want a top six type of player, meaning that it would be a huge overpay situation for Jovanovski in a one-for-one type of trade.
He is a UFA at the end of the season, and depending on the price tag may not be a good resign, considering his age. The price the Sharks pay will be key for this to work right for them.
The Yotes are still in the playoff hunt and still need Jovanovski.
Other possible targets : Keith Yandle
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