3 San Jose Sharks' trade candidates ahead of March's deadline

While Macklin Celebrini has been everything and more the San Jose Sharks could have hoped for, the team is still in the basement of the Western Conference, and GM Mike Grier will be busy ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

Here's three Sharks who are likely getting traded within the next eight weeks:

Mikael Granlund

Granlund seems to be always involved in trade rumors, but this season it's different because he's a pending UFA, and a rental that contending teams are going to be interested in. Granlund's due $5 million against the cap this season and doesn't hold any trade protection. He's recorded a team-leading 35 points in 39 games this season, averaging 21:11 of ice-time per game, including on both sides of special teams. Granlund's doing it all for the Sharks, and Grier should be cashing in. Look for the Minnesota Wild to be involved in trade conversations.

Luke Kunin

Kunin's guilty by association as he's also a pending UFA and will be a depth rental contenders consider adding ahead of the trade deadline. The 27-year-old is owed $2.7 million this season, and has recorded 10 goals and 16 points in 41 games this season. Kunin is a solid penalty killer, and loves to hit everything that moves, leading the Sharks in hits landed. His versatility to play the wing or down the middle makes him an attractive piece for a team's bottom six.

Cody Ceci

When the Sharks acquired Ceci it didn't make a ton of sense considering the team was rebuilding. Ceci, 31, is on the books for $3.2 million this season, and will certainly draw trade interest due to being right handed, and having a wealth of playoff experience. Ceci's averaging over 22 minutes per game with the Sharks, including a ton of time killing penalties. He's also chipped in with 10 points in 41 games this season.

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