Fishing in the Trade Market
The final hour's of the trade deadline is approaching, and everyone is wondering who will end up where. The San Jose Sharks are one of the few teams that might not make a single move this time around. That being said never underestimate the great mind of Doug Wilson. Numerous times Doug Wilson has made a trade that no one ever expected i.e. gaining the body of Raffi Torres last year.
Before last's nights game Adam Burish, Mike Brown, and Matt Tennyson were all scratches, while Antti Niemi was the back up for the 3rd time in 4 games. Now I wouldn't read to much into this as I can not see "Nemo" leaving, but they were just riding the hot goalie. As for the rest though, they could all be strong possibilities. I can only see these guys getting moved to clear up cap and to add to a deal with draft picks.
There was some trade speculations going on yesterday with Devin Setoguchi maybe making a return to San Jose. This could be a smart move if the Sharks are going to be able to move some salary. "Seto" played great as a Shark but once he was traded he lost some of his flare. Since he was a kid, he loved the Sharks and coming back to the Bay Area, might be the best for the Sharks, and for "Seto" as he's looking to hit the reset button on his career. What better place to do that but on the team he has always loved, and the team that he started his NHL career on.
Back to the salary, the Sharks don't have a lot of space to make a move. But if they are able to move Marty Havlat's salary, it could help make a deal to pick up a great right winger. San Jose is set on defense with 7 D-man that could all be starters on any team in the NHL. Goal tending seems to be a none issue as well. Even our forwards really don't need any adding or subtracting, but if they do make a deal I would love to see Havlat leaving. Havlat has been nothing but a distraction with the Sharks. He's injury prone, he's a lot of money, and at times is very inconsistent.
The right wings that could fit well in the Sharks organization are;
Drew Stafford
Drew Stafford would be a perfect addition. He can play on the top line with Joe Thornton or even the second line with Couture. He has a great eye for the net and is not afraid to get into the dirty areas. Let's also not forget he did get 4 Hat tricks in the 2010-2011 season.Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart could be another great addition, with his great shot and he is a big body that the Sharks could use in front of the net. He also has the fighting toughness that most of the Sharks do not have. If the Sharks were to give up a guy like Burish or Brown, adding Chris Stewart could make up for the lack of toughness and bring that great shot on the right wing. Plus if Stewart can get back on track and put up numbers like he had in 2009-2010 (77 games, 28 goals, 36 assists, with 64 points) He could be a perfect player for any team with 1 year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.15 million.
Sam Gagner
Sam Gagner is another player the Sharks should go after. Sam has proved that he has hands, he can skate, and he can make some incredible plays. He can also play both centre and right wing which could allow for many different line combinations. He has never really been on a winning team either when it comes to the NHL. Who knows if he is around a winning attitude, he might be able to step his game up even more and prove to the world that he is a star caliber player.
I'm sorry I couldn't get more in depth with this and haven't posted in awhile but I have been quite busy with school, but once some of my tests are over I will be able to analyze and get more in depth. Honestly I believe that San Jose is safe with their team and shouldn't make a move just to make a move. This team has proven that they can win with every player in the line up and has enough depth to call up if needed. That being said you never know what is on Doug Wilsons mind and he could very well make a small to a blockbuster deal. It all depends on the price and assets. Remember, Wayne Gretzky got traded so anyone can get traded. Happy trade day everybody!!!
