Mikael Granlund's name still hot in trade rumors as Sharks scorer attracts interest
By Conor Power
This week's 32 Thoughts podcast was exceptionally insightful for what teams want to do before this trade deadline. We all know the San Jose Sharks will listen to offers on anyone on the roster not named William Eklund. Whether that is the old core or the new guard, Mike Grier is pulling no punches to help this organization rebuild for the future. He wants to make San Jose better with the returns they get at this deadline, and that significant return may come for Mikael Granlund in the future.
We all know of Granlund's sensational scoring, even on a pretty abhorrent Sharks roster. Finding a way to put up seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points in 43 games with the Sharks is a solid start to the season with the Teal Shirts. All of his goals have come at even strength for this team, which is impressive in its own right because the scoring for the San Jose Sharks has been invisible.
On the aforementioned 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman says that "multiple teams" have touched base about the Oulu, Finland native. Off the top of my head, Carolina, Boston, the New York Rangers, and the Colorado Avalanche have all been looking for center help. As Granlund can also play on the right wing, teams looking for help may have come calling, too. These are the joys of having the best center left on the market.
With an extra year left on his contract at making $5 million, should the Sharks be trying to move Granlund or retaining him for next year? Truthfully, this depends on the price. If you can get a first-round draft pick for Granlund, moving on from him makes sense. His offensive production on such a poor-performing roster, combined with the fact he's had a solid season defensively, may warrant that return. He may also be part of a more extensive package, but the term on his deal gives the Sharks leverage in negotiations.
Getting the most from Mikael Granlund will be a lot of work for Grier and company. If that is completed effectively, they must find a suitable partner, which is more complicated with the extra term. However, the Sharks are in a position to take money back to make a deal work. So, I leave the question with you: where should the Sharks draw the line on what must come back for Granlund?