2 Trade Targets For the San Jose Sharks

After a hot start to their season, and an equally cold drop-off in November/December, the Sharks have now clawed their way back into a playoff spot. Celebrations are muted, though. They currently sit just 1 points ahead of the Oilers for the last wildcard spot, with the Oilers holding two games in hand and playing well below their potential. San Jose is on the right track - there's no quicker way into the playoffs than by winning games - but there's is a lot of work still ahead of them if they want to hold down that spot come April. GM Doug Wilson recently terminated the contract of Evander Kane, his team's top scorer from last season, and will likely be anxious to use up that cap space to try and replace Kane's offensive production. The Sharks have done well enough without him, but an extra 20-goal scorer on the roster will only help matters. Here are two players that San Jose could target in a trade.

Vladimir Tarasenko

It seems like a lifetime ago that Tarasenko requested a trade out of St. Louis, but in fact, it has only been about 6 months. A lot can change in that time. Tarasenko currently sits second on the Blues in scoring with 34 points in 34 games, and is tied for first in goals with 14. He recently turned 30-years old and is proving his health need not be a concern any longer. Tarasenko is back to his elite-level play, and the Blues are benefitting greatly. That said, while he never reiterated his trade request, he also hasn't rescinded it either. As far as anyone knows, he'd still like to be moved to a new team. Here is where the Sharks come in, who happen to have just opened up about $7 million in cap space, just $500k shy of what Tarasenko makes. He's also a natural winger, just like Kane was. The fit is there, the question is simply if the two teams can make a deal work. Maybe pending UFA Tomas Hertl would be interested in a tip to St. Louis?

Semyon Varlamov

The Isles are having a tough go of it this year, through no real fault of their own. Between opening the season with a 13-game road trip, being the first team to be shut down due to a Covid outbreak, as well as a series of key injuries to their roster, and the current season has knocked the wheels right off the wagon team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in two straight playoffs. The one bright spot in Long Island is the emergence of Ilya Sorokin as a legit NHL starting goalie. Unfortunately, that leaves current Isles starter Semyon Varlamov as the overpaid backup, at least until his contract expires in the Summer of 2023. This has started up trade rumors surrounding the 30-year old Russian goaltender. Meanwhile, the Sharks could really use a solid #1 option in net. Both James Reimer and Adin Hill have been solid for stretches this season, but neither has unquestionably seized the net going forward. A legit starter would go a long way towards pushing the Sharks out of "bubble team" status and towards legit playoff contenders. Once again, would the Isles be interested in the services of Tomas Hertl?

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