Sharks Will Have Tough Decision To Make On Mikael Granlund Next Season

Mikael Granlund was the San Jose Sharks' most productive player last season, scoring 12 goals and 60 points in 69 games. He had great chemistry with Fabian Zetterlund who really came into his own. I expect those two to play together on the top line again, but a decision is going to have to be made on Granlund in 2024-25.

The Sharks brought in more help to make their team a little better and really set up for the future, but Granlund has proven to be a core veteran piece and could really help the team along. He is heading into the final year of his deal at just $5 million AAV and if San Jose is out of the playoff hunt, a lot of teams will be calling to acquire him at the trade deadline.

Granlund was a cap dump from the Pittsburgh Penguins before last season and he turned out to be very effective for the last place Sharks. If the Sharks were to consider moving him, either the team acquiring him would have to take on his entire cap hit or a third team would have to get involved. The Sharks have used all three of their cap retention spots.

There are ample amounts of young players and prospects in San Jose, providing a lot of hope for the future. With Macklin Celebrini coming in, Tyler Toffoli, Alex Wennberg, and more players brought in, and a healthy team assembled to kick off the season, the Sharks are looking to start rising.

If Granlund can put together a season like he did in 2023-24, he is going to fetch a solid return. But if the Sharks want to re-sign him because of how effective he has been, that is a good option as well. He can also play the wing, so his impact isn't limited to just center and who the Sharks have playing down the middle.

If San Jose is interested in keeping Granlund around, contract discussions have likely briefly started. We will have to wait and see where things go as the Sharks' place in the standings and the veteran's season will determine the value and likeliness of staying or going.