EK65 trade thought

[googz]

I've read a lot of garbage trade talks around EK65, and none of them make sense. I was thinking about a couple of scenarios and would like your thoughts. Toronto and Edmonton seem like prime targets.

Edmonton:

They have too much invested up front with McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Kane.

Option 1:
- Sharks get: Nugent-Hopkins, retain EK65 $3-4M
- Oilers get: EK65

Net cap hit increase for Edmonton is $3-4M
Sharks get a solid 2nd-line center, reduce cap by $2M, possibly

Option 2:
In two years, the Oilers will have to do something about Draisaitl, and I doubt they'll be able to resign him for $11M+. Would it make sense for the Sharks to go after him in 2025 when they're almost rebuilt?

Toronto:
Similar situation with $11M for each Matthews, Tavares, Marner, and $7 for Nylander. All contracts are ending in the next two years. Do the Sharks wait for Nylander to go UFA, or do they trade for him now? Or, for that matter, Marner or Matthews?

[Mr. T]

The Sharks are 3-5 years out, minimum. So going after Draisitl in 25 makes some sense. Don't see the point of trading player for player now.

If they could get picks and prospects, and retain salary, they would cement themselves as a bottom 3 team and could aim for 2026 or 27

[tack]

On Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 4:08:37 PM UTC-7, googz wrote:

I read your proposals, especially the part about "when they're almost rebuilt" and can't help but think back to that famous NFL post-game news conference when Jim Mora was asked about making the playoffs, after his team was lambasted: "Playoffs? Playoffs?! We're just trying to win a game."

Almost rebuilt in 2025? This is a franchise in complete disarray, from ownership down to the lowliest assistant coach. It has a couple of competent aging vets, then a Sahara-like wasteland of mediocre talent, with no young stars in sight. It's going to take bunches of years, not one, tow, or three to rebuild this mess, and that's even if they had a bang-up genius at the helm, like an Yzerman, etc.

Yes, they should offload every veteran as soon as possible, not pretending in the least that they're trying to contend now. They should avoid adding another anvil-like burden for any overpaid star, who would languish with the supporting cast. Instead, they should try to make trades that will bring as many picks and prospects as possible, given especially that they will likely have to retain dead salary, too.

The unavoidable consequences of disastrous decisions by DW have arrived, and Sharks ownership has made it even worse by hiring a GM with no documented management experience at any level. Perhaps, others, more experienced, refused to even consider San Jose's mess, but one would think there's someone out there who'd enjoy the challenge, along with California's wonderful weather.

In any case, no, no, a thousand times no to any new fat contracts with other stars, or even second bananas. And, don't trade for anyone over 27 years of age, preferably even less. High picks would be good, but one needs competent management to make them.

[googz]

> If they could get picks and prospects and retain salary, they would cement themselves as a bottom 3 team and could aim for 2026 or 27

My point is if EK65 will be traded this Summer, why not take advantage of Toronto's or Edmonton's pending financial situation. Also, expect some of the Sharks' heavy contracts coming off the books by the 2025-26 season: Vlasic, Burns (retainer), Ferraro, Labanc. In '27, Logan will as well. It also aligns with when these prospects and recent draft picks will be coming into the fold.

Dunno, it was just a thought, but I don't see an EK65 trade happening without the receiving team clearing one of their own players' large contracts in the deal.

[googz]

I guess I don't share your doom and gloom pessimism. I do still believe the Sharks are on the right path and will see the results of the rebuilt in 3-4 years. I get your point about not trading for anyone over 27, but to shed Karlsson's contract, they'll likely have to take one in return.

In 3-4 years:
- With exception to Hertl and Couture's contracts, all of DW's heavy contracts will be gone (including retainers). Couture and Hertl's will hurt in the later years
- As a result of freed up cap space, Grier will have the flexibility to resign players and sign UFA to fill voids
- Prospects and recent draft picks will be NHL ready
- I like the compete level of some of the players that Grier brought in were good bottom-6 signings. Sturm in particular. The top6 will get filled through the draft and UFAs
- Hopefully one of the goalies they have in the system will pan out and by that time, they'll have a good enough team defense to help

I think it's too soon to pass judgement on Grier. I will try to stay optimistic and hope things will turn around. The big question marks for Grier:
- how he's going to shed contracts
- his assessment of the coaching staff
- his draft picks in the next few drafts. While i'm still pissed the Sharks didn't purposely tank the last 10 games to secure a higher spot in the draft, drafting in the top-5 in next couple of seasons will help secure top-6 forwards and top-2 defensemen for the future.

[tack]

The Sharks simply cannot be fixed by shedding EK and adding another star in return on the premise that in 2-3 years they'll be contender-ready. The damage done by DW was far and wide over several years, and that's depleted both depth and breadth of talent. The better course is to patiently reload in quantity, then, after seeing how that goes, make any strategic additions later by trades and/or UFA's, when the landscape is more discernible. As for Hertl and Couture, they should move both of them, too. At least, that's my opinion.

[Mr. T]

His value is at an all time high. It would be very nice to trade him now, given he hasn't been super healthy either. I guess it's pretty hard to find a home for a guy making 11.5M. Teams that want him are already successful, and likely don't have the space.

Not sure I have any better ideas. Hopkins signed for a long long time. Not sure they want another contract like that until a guy is 37 or something. It's easy to shoot things down, harder to make the effort. Good thread, maybe we can brainstorm more

[tack]

There's always a wannabe team that will get enticed by a guy, like EK, especially after his last year. Yes, they may need to retain some salary, but that's still fine, if they get multiple guys/picks back and open up a roster spot. Ditto for Hertl and Couture, neither of whom will be potent by the time this team revives.