When we talk about the San Jose Sharks, we all know they will be sellers at the deadline. This organization lost its first nine games in consecutive seasons, becoming the first team in NHL history to do so. They're improving, but Team Teal's future isn't yet here. With an extensive list of pending unrestricted free agents, one name will garner more interest than most due to the lack of quality centermen on the market, and that is Mikael Granlund.
Granlund came to San Jose in the Erik Karlsson trade and has become one of the pillars of the San Jose Sharks season. Mike Grier did a great job netting a player like Granlund, who posted ten goals and 18 assists for 28 points from 24 games this season. He's become a star in Teal, and the Sharks will look for a king's ransom for the forward if they cannot agree on a contract extension.
The 32-year-old Oulu native has just one year remaining on his contract at $5 million against the cap. With no retention slots, the Sharks must find teams to take his prorated contract in full if they wish to move him. With the requirement of a team being able to take on all that contract or have subsequent, primarily short-term deals to move out that could cover the cost, the Sharks have a limited number of options to send the Finn to.
So, where are these options? Granlund can play both center and right-wing, so his versatility will make him wanted. He can also play both special teams units, which a franchise will want for the postseason, as Granlund will be looking to land on a team that can win the Stanley Cup after he gets there. So, let's start looking at the options for Mike Grier for a potential trade partner.