The NHL Trade Deadline is approaching on March 7th, and the San Jose Sharks will be sellers again.
That said, there aren’t as many solid pieces to trade away as there were during the 2023-24 season. San Jose also traded their highest-value player, Mikael Granlund, to the Dallas Stars. Cody Ceci would’ve been next up, but he was included in the deal with Granlund.
So, of the rest of the San Jose Sharks roster, who is next?
One could argue that Luke Kunin is next up on the block as the pending UFA has a solid season in a third-line utility role.
In 59 games, Kunin has 11 goals and seven assists and has played center and wing for head coach Ryan Warsofsky. The forward has been a better skater this season as he is another year removed from his ACL tear.
Kunin has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs this season as a player that GM Brad Treliving has shown interest in in the past.
REPORT: Friedman Wonders If Maple Leafs Will Look To Sharks’ Luke Kunin As Trade Target
At 27, Kunin is also not at the end of his career. His grinding style of play is perfect for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Nico Sturm is another player who might be moved at or before the trade deadline. The hard-working center is a stud in the face-off dot with decent speed.
Like Kunin, Sturm is a pending UFA. A cap hit of $2 million is not hard for an acquiring team to fit into their system.
The German has won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, so he is proven in the playoffs. In 13 games, Sturm had two assists and was +2.
Sturm matched his goal total from 23-24 (5) in fewer games this season. He’s shown an ability to score in the NHL, as his career high is 14, which he did with the Sharks in the 22-23 season.
The center told reporters he feels he’s on the chopping block and doesn’t think he will be with the Sharks after the deadline.
Lastly, Mario Ferraro is once again swirling in trade rumors. The defenseman has been rumored for a trade for the last two seasons.
Ferraro hasn’t experienced postseason play and has said he wants to. It isn’t a slight toward the Sharks when he has said those things. He means it in a way that every NHL hockey player wants: a chance for a Stanley Cup.
If he’s dealt, his rugged style and ability to block shots will be valuable for any postseason team. Like Kunin, the Maple Leafs have been linked to Ferraro. There haven’t been any reports about Ferraro being moved to a specific location, at least not yet.
Ferraro also has term left on his contract. The 26-year-old will be a UFA after the 2025-26 season and currently has a cap hit of $3.25 million. Teams headed to the playoffs will almost certainly be close to the salary cap.
In 59 games this season, Ferraro has five goals and six assists and is an ugly -26. He’s never been on a winning team, so there could be some untapped potential if he’s put in the right environment.
The San Jose Sharks must ensure they field a somewhat competent roster for the remainder of the season. Losing Ferraro would significantly impact the locker room culture and on-ice play.
