Sharks Rumors: Mikael Granlund trade linked to 2 teams

The NHL's holiday break is over and very soon, teams will be able to once again make roster changes. Recently, there's been a lot of chatter surrounding the San Jose Sharks, and what exactly they'll do with veteran forward Mikael Granlund.

Granlund, 32, has scored 11 goals and 33 points in 35 games this season, and as a pending unrestricted free agent, could very well be moved by Sharks' GM Mike Grier. Granlund is due $5 million this season and does not hold any trade protection. Insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun recently chimed in on Granlund's future before the March 7 trade deadline, and had this to say:

The expectation is that Granlund’s agents, Todd Diamond and Mark Gandler, will have a discussion in the new year with Sharks general manager Mike Grier. But the team will need to balance any potential extension with the kind of offers it’ll get on the trade market, and there will certainly be some. Granlund’s versatility of being able to play all three forward positions with comfort will appeal to contenders. He may also augment his trade value depending on his performance under the spotlight playing for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Looking into my matchmaker crystal ball, let’s make him a Vegas Golden Knight. The Sharks and Knights got together on a trade deadline deal a year ago involving Tomas Hertl. Keeping in mind Granlund’s versatility and the unfortunate reality of always being concerned about Mark Stone’s health, I like the idea for Vegas of adding this kind of depth. - Pierre LeBrun

While Johnston feels the Minnesota Wild could make a lot of sense for a Granlund destination:

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Granlund was a first-round pick by the Wild who spent seven seasons playing for the organization. Still, wouldn’t it be a nice homecoming story? Minnesota could really use a forward who can toggle between center and wing while chipping in with some offense. Granlund ticks all of those boxes and should come with an added level of comfort given his familiarity with the organization. The cap aspect will need to be worked out since San Jose doesn’t have any retention spots still open and Minnesota has some added challenges while operating in long-term injured reserve, but those aren’t big enough hurdles to keep this from happening.

The Sharks are currently 11-20-6 on the year, two points up on the Chicago Blackhawks for last in the NHL.

Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images