Player Once Seen As A "Salary Dump", Now Likely To Hold Top Trade Value For Sharks

Mikael Granlund's resurgence on the ice has swiftly transformed him into a coveted trade asset for the San Jose Sharks.

Initially regarded as a potential salary dump, the 31-year-old center's impressive performance this season has garnered considerable interest in NHL trade circles.

With an impressive blend of offensive prowess and defensive reliability this year, Granlund's value has skyrocketed, positioning him as a prime target for teams eyeing a playoff push.

OH MY MIKAEL GRANLUND. 3-2 SHARKS. pic.twitter.com/6bhUprTGem

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 26, 2023

Granlund's ability to excel in a top-six role while also serving as a mentor to emerging talents like William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund amplifies his appeal to potential suitors.

Moreover, his contract situation, boasting a reasonable salary and lacking any no-trade protection, further enhances his market value.

As trade talks intensify, the Sharks find themselves in a strategic position to leverage Granlund's newfound trade value to secure significant returns, whether it's bolstering their roster for immediate competitiveness or acquiring valuable draft assets for their long-term goals.

Anthony Duclair with a pretty sweet move to set up Mikael Granlund's goal#SJSharks pic.twitter.com/2JCh2vERt3

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) December 2, 2023

The 31-year-old has five goals and 29 total points across 38 games this season.

Whether they opt to retain him for his on-ice contributions and leadership or capitalize on his market value to fortify their roster or stockpile future assets, Granlund's resurgence presents a compelling opportunity for San Jose to make moves that to help shape the team's trajectory in the seasons to come. Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports