San Jose Sharks Offseason Focus
As the San Jose Sharks transition into the 2025 offseason, their focus is on enhancing team performance despite not anticipating significant leaps from their previous season. The objective is clear: bolster the roster to better support their promising young talents, which include players like Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, and Will Smith. Although the Sharks have shown potential with these emerging stars, their offensive capabilities were limited, making improving the defensive unit crucial for competitive play.
Defensive Improvements
Last season, the Sharks struggled with one of the weakest defensive lines in the league, and General Manager Mike Grier made strides to rectify this in a single day. In a quick series of moves, he inked veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract valued at $13 million and claimed seasoned player Nick Leddy from waivers, both pivotal in enhancing the blue line’s stability. Grier’s efforts have resulted in eight defensemen under contract, setting the stage for possible trades that could reshape the roster further.
Projected Defensive Pairings
Grier’s current defensive pairings for the upcoming season could feature:
- Dmitry Orlov with Timothy Liljegren
- Sam Dickinson alongside Mario Ferraro
- Nick Leddy paired with John Klingberg
Notably, this configuration positions the Sharks with considerable depth, including potential extras Vincent Desharnais, Henry Thrun, and Shakir Mukhamadullin. Should Grier opt to pursue a trade, it could potentially involve Ferraro or Desharnais. Shifting Ferraro would not only reduce the traffic on defense but also open the door for Mukhamadullin to step into a starting role alongside seasoned veterans like Leddy and Klingberg, enabling a blend of young talent and experienced guidance.
Reflection on Previous Season
Reflecting on their defense during the concluding match of the previous season against the Edmonton Oilers on April 16, it is evident that the Sharks’ blue line has undergone a significant overhaul. Previously paired as Henry Thrun with Timothy Liljegren, they had Lucas Carlsson paired with Jan Rutta and veteran Marc-Edouard Vlasic alongside Jimmy Schuldt. The new acquisitions not only fortify their defensive setup but also instill a more structured approach to their gameplay.
Future Trade Considerations
Grier’s notable activity within a swift three-day window—signing Klingberg on July 1, and then following up with Orlov and Leddy on July 3—speaks to his commitment to remedying the blue line. Looking at potential trades, Ferraro stands out as a compelling target due to his unrestricted free-agent status next summer. His ability to play on both sides of the ice at just 26 years old makes him attractive to multiple teams, including strong candidates like the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, and St. Louis Blues. The Oilers, in particular, might find him appealing, considering their budget-conscious approach in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Salary Cap Situation
While the likelihood of trading Ferraro may increase as the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, especially if the Sharks surpass expectations, Grier’s recent infusion of talent through Orlov, Klingberg, and Leddy could have enduring benefits. Integrating seasoned veterans can significantly aid younger players in acclimating to the rigors of the NHL. Grier’s comprehensive vision for the team is becoming clearer, although full realization may require time. Despite the Sharks not being primed for a huge leap in standings, there’s growing anticipation surrounding Grier’s proactive efforts and the potential future reshaping of the franchise.
In terms of their salary cap situation, the Sharks currently hold $32 million in cap space, with only $62.8 million allocated, indicating that further moves are on the horizon to reach the compliance threshold of $70.6 million.
