San Jose Sharks' 2023 Trade Deadline Needs
The San Jose Sharks are one of the teams that got an early start to the 2023 trade deadline when they sent Jaycob Megna to the Seattle Kraken and got back a fourth round pick. This is exactly what the Sharks need to continue to do this season and into the summer, dismantle and start building for the future.
The Sharks still have three more unrestricted free agents (UFA) at the end of the year that can be treated as rentals for contenders - James Reimer, Nick Bonino, and Scott Harrington. None of them will fetch first round picks, but can help acquire mid-late round draft picks if they are even able to be traded.
Where the value lies for the Sharks is in trading Timo Meier and others with either team control or term left on their contracts. This includes Erik Karlsson, Kevin Labanc, Matt Benning, and Logan Couture. Meier is already talking to teams to figure out who he would want to sign long-term with and he will bring in a massive haul when he's dealt. The others will also be able to get the Sharks well on their way to a quick rebuild by replenishing their prospects.
The Sharks were at the top for a while and every team must eventually go through a rebuild. It's up to them whether it's going to be a short or long one. By selling what they can, they have a better opportunity at dropping further down the standings and getting better picks to build around. Look for the Sharks to trade what they can within the next month.
Photo credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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