The San Jose Sharks are making waves in the NHL trade rumor mill, with their sights set on acquiring a veteran right-shot defenseman to bolster their blue line. Sheng Peng of NBC Sports Bay Area has reported that the Sharks are actively exploring their options, both in free agency and through potential trades.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Unlikely Options?
Peng suggests that the Sharks could consider signing Tyson Barrie, John Klingberg, or Justin Schultz from the remaining pool of free agents. However, as an NHL insider, I believe that if the Sharks were truly interested in any of these players, they would have already inked a deal. None of these defensemen are commanding exorbitant salaries, making them seemingly affordable options.
Blockbuster Trade for Aaron Ekblad?
Peng also floated the idea of a blockbuster trade for Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. While Ekblad would undoubtedly be a game-changer for the rebuilding Sharks, the feasibility of such a move remains questionable. The cost of acquiring a player of Ekblad’s caliber would likely be steep, and the Panthers might not be eager to part with their star defenseman.
More Realistic Trade Options Emerge
The Sharks’ most realistic path to acquiring a right-shot defenseman appears to be through trades. Two names that have surfaced as potential targets are Cody Ceci of the Edmonton Oilers and Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights. Both teams are reportedly looking to shed salary, making Ceci and Whitecloud potentially affordable options for the Sharks.
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