Next Season

Team: 2021-22 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 15, 2021

Published: Mar. 16, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Building off of the last post a bit...

San Jose is not in any position to make the playoffs and have a good run. I also don't think rebuilding is really an option given all the big contracts, nor do I really think it is necessary. I think if we can give Seattle a bigger contract and sign some quality players in free agency then we have a real shot in the 2021-22 season.

Trade Explanations

#1- I don't think Seattle will take Burns for free, so we would need to add some sweeteners. Gambrell is a decent prospect who could grow into a solid 3rd line forward after averaging close to a point per game in the AHL at 22 and 23 years of age. Jaros is decent and could develop into a decent 2nd pairing right-shot defenseman. The 2nd has solid value too as the 2022 draft is expected to be a strong one.

#2- Gregor is a solid prospect with middle-6 potential but I don't see anywhere for him in our lineup other than on the bottom line. He could be useful for the Caps on a team that needs youth.

#3- Same goes for Donato, not really sure where he would fill in. We just traded a 4th for him and I think he's performed well, so I think a 3rd and some scraps is a fair price.

#4- Similar situation to Gregor. Not really sure where he would slot-in other than on the 4th line and I think we could get a decent return for him.


Forward Lines

#1- Couture-Hertl-Meier
Solid top-line with our two young forwards and the captain. Good physicality and offense from Hertl and Meier could mesh well with the solid two-way ability from Couture.

#2- Kane-Danault-Labanc
A bit of everything. Kane has a solid physical game which could make up for the lack of physicality from Labanc. Danault is strong at faceoffs and solid defensively as well.

#3- Leonard-Bozak-Blichfeld
Bozak is good at faceoffs and his veteran presence could help the will-be 23-year-olds take their game to the next level.

#4- Armia-Handemark-True
With a bottom line of everyone being over 6'3 and 200 pounds, this line would be able to play a strong physical game. There is decent skill on this line as well.

Defensive Pairings

#1- With Burns gone, Karlsson would have to take the reigns as the clear #1 defenseman. Playing with EK65, Ferraro should be able to take his game to the next level.

#2- Merkley should be able to use his offensive talent knowing that Simek could cover for him with his strong shutdown game.

#3- Vlasic is fine, but nowhere close to where he used to be. Playing with the big Knyzhov, they might be able to become a sort of shutdown pair.

Goalies

Starter- Driedger has looked very solid in the small number of games he's played. He should be able to be a solid starter in the future as he is only 26.

Backup- Jones has had bright spots this season but hasn't been consistent. Playing as a backup, the extra rest should give him time to be strong in the games he will play.

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