The San Jose Sharks wrapped up the 2024-25 NHL season as the league’s basement dwellers, finishing with a dismal 20-50-12 record and just 52 points. That placed them a full nine points behind the next-worst team, the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite another challenging campaign, the Sharks remain at the center of NHL trade speculation—and all eyes are on their 2025 first-round draft pick.
Could the San Jose Sharks Trade the 2025 First Overall Pick?
According to San Jose Sharks insider Sheng Peng of NBC Sports, general manager Mike Grier has not ruled out the possibility of trading the 2025 first overall pick—if the Sharks win the draft lottery for a second straight year. That’s a big “if,” but having the best odds after finishing last puts the idea squarely in play.
Last year, the Sharks won the lottery and used the top selection to draft franchise cornerstone Macklin Celebrini. If lightning strikes twice, they could be poised to land another foundational piece. This year’s projected top pick is defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters—a dynamic, mobile blueliner who fills a glaring need on San Jose’s depth chart.
Grier admitted that while Schaefer is the consensus No. 1, the draft becomes more forward-heavy after that. He stated that he wouldn’t dismiss a compelling offer involving young, NHL-ready talent. However, trading the No. 1 pick—if they secure it—would be a massive gamble, especially given the team’s long-term rebuild and need for elite defense.
Historically, trading the top pick is extremely rare. The last occurrence was in 2003 when the Florida Panthers dealt the first selection to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who then drafted Marc-Andre Fleury. Florida, at the time, had Roberto Luongo in net—a luxury San Jose doesn’t have on defense.
From this analyst’s perspective, it would be a mistake for the Sharks to trade away the top pick if it’s first overall. Schaefer represents the exact type of player they need. However, if they end up with the No. 2 pick or lower, trade discussions could intensify, especially if the Sharks feel Celebrini needs complementary help at forward.
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