NHL Trade Deadline: Why the San Jose Sharks Should Stand Pat

Despite rumors that the San Jose Sharks are one of the front-runners to pry star winger Rick Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets, it would be wise of them to hold on to their assets and keep moving forward with the talented lineup they already have. 

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson addressed his club's biggest need—a quick third-line forward with a strong two-way game—when he dealt a draft pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Dominic Moore last week. The addition of Moore, who potted 18 goals last season, provides San Jose with scoring depth and adds some speed to their forward ranks. Moore is also a strong playoff performer and a terrific penalty killer.

Many will look at the Sharks last 10 games, in which they've posted a lackluster 3-6-1 record, and say that they need to make a move for an impact player before the trade deadline. What they are overlooking is the fact that netminder Antti Niemi had a brief cold streak, and Douglas Murray has been out of the lineup since taking a puck to the throat last Friday.

Murray is a key piece of San Jose's defense and logs huge minutes, both even strength and on the penalty kill. The team's struggles in his absence showcase just how important he is to their success. 

Fortunately for the Sharks, Niemi seems to have rebounded from a tough loss to Columbus earlier this week. He had an impressive .967 save percentage and allowed just one goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs two days later. With Niemi regaining form and Murray set to return to the lineup soon, San Jose's recent slump is likely over.

The main reason why the Sharks should stick with the group they have, though, is the imminent return of winger Martin Havlat. He hasn't played since taking an awkward tumble over the boards on December 17th but is expected to be good to go by mid-March.

Havlat netted 22 goals and added 40 assists as a member of the Minnesota Wild last year before being swapped for sniper Dany Heatley over the summer. In 26 games with San Jose, he has 15 points.

His speed, responsible two-way game and incredible skills with the puck make him a dynamic player with game-breaking ability. His recovery should help the Sharks overcome their recent scoring woes and provide them with even more depth and versatility at the forward position.

Doug Wilson doesn't need to waste valuable assets on a deadline-day transaction because Havlat is exactly what his squad needs, and they'll have him back soon enough. Havlat's full recovery, Murray's return to the lineup, the acquisition of Moore and improved play from their goal-tending tandem should be more than enough to get the Sharks out of their slump and ready for the playoffs.

Sam Kelly is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @samkelly10.