The trade deadline is just a day away, and things have started to pick up around the league, with this trade deadline shaping up to be a seller's market. In large part due to the lack of sellers and surplus of buyers at this year's deadline.
The Sharks, like many teams finds themselves in the middle. Sitting 4 points out of a playoff spot, the Sharks could sell off some of their pending UFAs, look to add to their team, or do both.
The Sharks' pending UFAs are as follows: Ryan Reaves, John Klingberg, Mario Ferraro, Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, and Alex Nedeljkovic.
Reaves would have little value on the market and fills a nice role in the San Jose dressing room, so he is likely safe. Alex Nedeljkovic is likely also staying put, considering the market for goalies is pretty light at this time. The Sharks did add veteran Laurent Brossoit from the Blackhawks last month, so if an offer does come up, they could pull the trigger, though I find it unlikely.
This leaves the Sharks with 4 pending UFA defenseman, all of whom could realistically be dealt at the deadline.
The Sharks reportedly are ready to move on from Liljegren and potentially Klingberg as well. Given their cap hits, the Sharks could possibly get a mid-round pick or prospect if they retained either salary with their final retention slot. Defense depth is always at a premium, but given their inconsistent seasons its hard to see much interest in either player.
The two pending UFAs who would likely have some value on the market are Ferraro and Desharnais. Ferraro has long been well-liked around the league for his leadership and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win, something that is valuable in the playoffs. Ferraro would easily return a 2nd-round-pick plus another smaller asset from a contender. While Desharnais brings size and PK utility as a 6/7 defender and could fetch a 3rd, maybe a 2nd, given the inflated market.
The problem with trading either defenseman, however, is that both players are currently important parts of a Sharks team battling for a playoff spot. While getting value would be nice, the Sharks may be better off treating their own players as rentals and making a strong push to build confidence in the team after years in the basement.
The one thing that could tip the scales would be the Sharks' ability to add controllable assets on the backend. If the Sharks can make a swing on a defender with control, trading a Ferraro or Desharnais, or even Liljegren and Klingberg, becomes more palatable.
The next 24 hours will certainly be interesting for Grier and the Sharks, who find themselves in an unfamiliar spot at this year's trade deadline.