After the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery results, the San Jose Sharks dropped one place to second, leaving a big decision to make.
The New York Islanders had the tenth-best odds (3.5%) to win the No. 1 pick, and could pick the top-ranked 2025 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Schaefer.
In his post-lottery media availability, Grier’s message about possibly trading the Sharks’ top pick in the 2025 Draft remained unchanged; he’s open to moving the pick. Grier’s philosophy of being open to all possibilities to improve the San Jose Sharks has been displayed throughout his tenure.
“[I] definitely have an open mind to it. I always have to be open to anything that we think can make us a better hockey team and organization,” Grier said. “If there’s a package out there that someone presents us with, we’ll have to think it through and see if it makes sense for us to do so. I’m always trying to be open-minded to things like that.”
Grier wouldn’t be doing his job to its fullest extent if he didn’t at least listen to offers for a top-two pick in the NHL Draft. Last season, Grier admitted he received tons of calls for the No. 1 pick, but hung up within 30 seconds due to Macklin Celebrini’s potential.
“I’m not going to say no if someone wants to make a really good offer of established young players. It’s not something I’m going to close the door on,” Grier said during his exit interview. “Last year, I probably shut the door on everything that came my way, but you never know. [If] there’s a Ricky Williams or Herschel Walker type offer, then I think we will listen.”
A similar return to what the Sharks’ GM hypothesizes will be needed for a team to move to No. 2.
Grier’s thoughts on Michael Misa and the fit with the Sharks
If Mike Grier decides to trade the second pick, the San Jose Sharks must get a significant return. Throughout all his answers about potentially trading back, the Sharks GM has always said he needs the proper return.
Realistically, there isn’t a perfect trade partner out there for San Jose. If the Islanders select Matthew Schaefer, the next best projected prospect is Michael Misa—the Sharks like what they see from the centerman.
“There’s lots of good players. It’s probably a little forward-heavy. I mentioned to you guys before, after Schaefer. We still have meetings, the [draft] combine, and more work to do as a staff to see where it all shakes out,” Grier said. “[Misa is] a talented player. Had a record-breaking type of year this year. Someone who’s had exceptional status. Talented, talented player.”
Who could be the best trade partner for the Sharks if they decide to trade?
The Philadelphia Flyers could be a trade partner for the Sharks. With the newly named Utah Mammoth moving from 14 to 4, the Flyers dropped from 4 to 6.
The Hockey News Flyers reporter Siobhan Nolan suggests the Flyers could have the right assets to make a deal with the Sharks.
Like San Jose, Philadelphia is in the process of rebuilding. Matvei Michkov led the NHL in goals by a rookie with 26 this season, and will not be on the table to be moved.
Other prospects like Denver Barkey, Oliver Bonk, and Jett Luchenko might be enough to convince Mike Grier.
Barkey and Bonk play for the London Knights in the OHL, with San Jose Sharks top prospect Sam Dickinson.
Bonk is a 20-year-old right-handed defenseman with dynamic puck skills and hockey IQ. Bonk doesn’t have the top-tier skating ability Schaefer has, but Bonk has done nothing but produce for London.
In 112 games over the last two seasons, Bonk has 35 goals and 72 assists. He made Team Canada during the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Juniors and played a significant role.
Bonk could be the San Jose Sharks replacement for what would’ve likely been drafting Schaefer at No. 1 overall. Bonk was drafted 22nd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
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DorsalDude
May 7, 2025 at 8:22 pm
I wish people would stop talking about the Sharks trading away their pick. When you have the second overall pick and Michael Misa is available, you do NOT trade it away.