3 Trade Deadline Perfect Fits for the San Jose Sharks

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates after he scored the game-winning goal in the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center on February 16, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates after he scored the game-winning goal in the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center on February 16, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 07: Eric Staal #12 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on April 7, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eric Staal
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 07: Eric Staal #12 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on April 7, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eric Staal

Eric Staal

This one might come as a surprise to some but  the Minnesota Wild have been struggling lately and are open to trading key parts of their roster to shake things up. This makes Eric Staal instantly one of the most intriguing players on everyone’s trade list propels. He is an unrestricted free agent with a modified no trade clause, but the San Jose Sharks will likely be 1 of the 10 teams he submits as possible suitors for the Wild.

The 34-year-old centerman is having a down year along with the rest of Minnesota Wild roster. His 37 points with 17 goals through 58 games played. He’s on the lowest goal and point pace since he joined the Wild in 2016 -2017 off-season and has gone ice-cold lately going scoreless in his previous 8 games.

Perhaps a change of scenery can help spark this former superstar. Eric Staal’s underlying numbers illustrate that this is a player who can still  contribute at a high level. His CF% (53.15), FF% (54.69), and SF% (56.35), per Corsica.Hockey exhibits that he’s able to generate some significant offensive zone time while he is on the ice.

The San Jose Sharks could use another centerman to crystallize their depth down the middle. They’ve recently shifted Tomas Hertl to center recently and it has paid off big for Team Teal, however this is most time he’s seen at this position since he joined the franchise. So if he or another centerman starts to slow down, Eric Staal can slot in easily in between any two wingers.

Eric Staal’s value is falling each day with his lack of production being more and more disheartening for the Wild. His contract could be added with ease and would give the San Jose Sharks the deepest center group in the entire league.

Regardless of which path the San Jose Sharks take they will almost certainly try to make a move in response to the inevitable bolstering of the other teams around the Western Conference. The lack of trade pieces will put General Manager Doug Wilson in a tough spot, still don’t be surprised if he is able to pull off a big splash in the upcoming week.