The Sharks defense has been a significant weakness for the rebuilding club over the last several seasons and still needs major work going into next season. Expect some turnover to happen on the backend, and while this could come via a mix of trade or free agency, today, I will focus on some of the best fits for the Sharks in free agency.
Aaron Ekblad
Ekblad would be a dream fit for the Sharks. The former first-overall pick and Stanley Cup champion is capable of eating tough minutes on the right side. Although he isn't a number 1 on most teams, he would be the Sharks's best defender and help stabilize a blueline that projects to be relatively young going into next season with Muhkamadulin and Dickinson knocking on the door for full-time minutes. Long-term Ekblad is 29 and, per Daily Faceoff, is projected for 7 years at 6.9 million. That would take him through the rest of his prime and may not age the best; however, with the rising cap and the Shark's cap sheet being clean in the long term, it is an investment we could afford, and he would be invaluable to the Sharks over the next couple of seasons with his play and leadership, similar to Tyler Toffoli last offseason.
Vladislav Gavrikov
Gavrikov is a very talented defensive defenseman with whom the Sharks are very familiar, playing the last 3 seasons with division rival LA Kings. Like Ekblad, Gavrikov could be a stabilizing presence in the top 4 and would be the Shark's top shutdown option, something the Sharks have lacked since Vlasic’s decline. At 29, Gavrikov would probably cost less than Ekblad, with Daily Faceoff projecting him at 5 years for 5.4 per year, and could be a more affordable option for the Sharks, albeit a worse fit with Gavrikov being a left-handed shot still Gavrikov would be a significant upgrade.
Brent Burns
Burns creates an interesting case for the Sharks in free agency. While it is unlikely he would sign with a rebuilding team if he decides to continue his playing career, the Sharks could offer Burns a lot of money on a 1-year deal, given their cap space. Burns is a beloved Sharks legend and would be an excellent fit as a mentor on their young roster. On the ice, Burns isn’t the same player he once was; he would still be an upgrade on the Power Play and add a puck-moving element on the blue line that the Sharks have struggled to find. It is an unlikely scenario, but it is an interesting idea for Sharks fans to think about.
These are just a few potential targets for the Sharks on the blue line in free agency. In what is a relatively weak crop in terms of depth, it will be interesting to see how aggressive the Sharks are in free agency when addressing the blue line.