3 Players Sharks Could Trade Next

When looking at a team that is in rebuild mode, you wonder who will be moved next. The San Jose Sharks have done a lot of selling recently and aren't done yet. They have some players on the final year of their deals that teams will be calling them about before the trade deadline. But who will be moved first? Let's take a look.

Anthony Duclair

The Florida Panthers had to free up some money and Anthony Duclair was the sacrifice. He actually has a very good contract as he put up 31 goals and 58 points in 74 games in 2021-22 while having a cap hit of just $3 million AAV. He is a top-six winger, but spent most of last season on the injured reserve. There was talk that he would be traded during last season, but that didn't come to pass. He will be in the top-six for the Sharks this season and likely be able to put up points, but is going to be moved at the deadline or it's a waste of a strong asset.

Alexander Barabanov

The same thing goes for Alexander Barabanov, except he's been in San Jose for longer. He has now shown in consecutive seasons that he is capable of playing a high level of hockey in the top-six. He too is on a great contract as it will only cost a team $2.5 million AAV against the cap. He will be another deadline move if the Sharks are smart as his contract is ending after the season. He is more of a playmaker than scorer. Depending on team needs, different teams might be calling about Barabanov.

Kevin Labanc

Kevin Labanc is the third forward that is on the last year of his deal and could be moved. He is a little less likely because of his cap hit and the way recent seasons have gone. He was a very good winger when the Sharks were good, but has dropped off since. He will likely be a third liner this season, but is still capable of putting up points. The problem is he doesn't have much help. Maybe a team would look at him at 50 percent of his cap hit at the deadline. The Sharks would be wise to move him at the first sign of interest.