San Jose Sharks Rumors: 3 Free Agents to Target This Offseason

Welcome to NHL Trade Rumors' 2023 Free-Agent Targets series. During it, we will be discussing three pending unrestricted free agents that each team should aim to sign.

In this latest episode, we will be taking a look at the San Jose Sharks.

Craig Smith: The Sharks should be looking to bring in veterans to help mentor their younger players during their rebuild, so winger Craig Smith could be a possible target for them. The 33-year-old is struggling this season, as he has seven goals and 13 points in 59 games split between the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. However, when noting that he also posted a 36-point campaign in 74 games in 2021-22, he is a bounce-back candidate and could be a decent trade asset at next year's deadline if he turns things around.

Andreas Athanasiou: Andreas Athanasiou inked a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks last offseason, so perhaps he would be open to joining another rebuilding club this summer in the Sharks. He would provide San Jose with more secondary scoring and could thrive having a larger role.

Justin Braun: The Sharks could also look to sign old friend Justin Braun this offseason. Although the veteran is no longer a top-four defenseman, he would serve as a solid bottom-pairing guy for the Sharks. With that, his experience would allow him to be a good mentor for the club's younger players.