Rebuild season 1

Team: 2021-22 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 25, 2021

Published: Aug. 26, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

The Sharks are in a rebuild weather they admit it or not.

Wilson brought in Bonino to help the young guys learn to win. Bonino does not give you much offensively but he does give great effort and drags guys into the fight. This is important for young players to see.

There is no way Kane can return, and no one is taking Kane in trade. He is a good player but he is expensive and he has a lot of off ice baggage, further compounding the problem he doesn't get along with his teammates. So I think locker room cancer can be applied. It's more dead cap space but I think the Sharks should waive him to the AHL, never require him to report and then buy him out next off-season.

So this is the 21/22 Sharks probably good enough to be a top 5 lottery team.

I don't see this team getting Shane Wright, the Sabres and Coyotes are going to be jokes. The Kraken could be a dark horse for worst team in the NHL and then there is the Blue Jackets, Ducks, Predators, and Sharks. If Ducks young talent is ready to produce then they could easily step out of this group, but the other 3 teams I see no way out.

This the team I would expect to start the season I'm giving the edge to Blichfeld but by no means is he a lock. I have guys in the taxi squad who will probably get rotated into the lineup at points but given Boughners use of young guys last season I'm not expecting anyone to get a real chance to stick in the lineup.

Vlasic probably doesn't start on the bench but I see a point where he will end up on the bench most games and swapping in with Simek at times.


Trade deadline I expect almost everyone to be available. I think Wilson will be willing to retain and even take back money. Injuries on good teams will dictate demand so really guessing on that is futile.
Guys possibly on the move:
Brent Burns big defenseman who can score at retained salary would be very appealing to a playoff bound team. I think Burns would consider opening up his trade options to escape a rebuild.

Tomas Hertl a very valuable trade piece. Very easy cap hit to absorb and who can't use a top 6 center. He should be moved for prospects and draft picks.

I don't think there will be a partner who wants Karlsson this season same with Couture.

If Wilson can get decent picks and or prospects for Leblanc, Meier, Leonard, or any other member of the active roster I have here I think he pulls the trigger, obviously Meier with the most value of that group, but you get the idea.

Season 2 to come at a later time.