NHL Rumors: Sharks Forward Becoming Trade Target

The San Jose Sharks will be busy ahead of the March 3 trade deadline as general manager Mike Grier is looking to move out a handful of players. While Erik Karlsson and Timo Meier get all the attention and rightfully so, Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov is one trade candidate who is drawing a lot of attention from other teams.

Barabanov is a 28-year-old bang-and-crash forward who is signed through next season at a very reasonable $2.5 million. He holds a 10-team no-trade clause and could provide a contending team with a depth forward who has the ability to provide secondary scoring and some sandpaper.

Barabanov has recorded 31 points in 46 games this season and has some underrated playmaking skills. Teams who will have interest include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils.