SJ Keep EK65 Sign Matthews Pesce Wilson in 2024 Buyout Vlasic Trade for Askarov

Sharks need Bordeleau and Preds need Askarov.

I can see this Bordeleau Askarov swap. NSH is reportedly entertaining offers for him (whether they should or not is a separate discussion). If Bordeleau doesn't (or even hasn't) impressed with Grier -- he wasn't his pick -- and/or doesnt' make the jump to the NHL quickly, Grier can sign one of Lindholm/Matthews (Patty+Jumbo+a young up and coming team+maybe some roots in the bay area can lure him) and also have Hertl+Couture below them at center with Smith+Bystedt coming in soon. They have no clear goalie of the future though. It's a fair trade I think that makes a lot of sense for SJ and a trade I think NSH considers and could take.

NSH declines. Askarov was available at the draft for 4th/5th overall. The moment that pick went off the boards, was the moment in which Askarov's became unavailable.

Zadina in your top 6. Nice.

You can swap him and Barabanov, who's a solid 2nd liner who usually plays with Couture, and have him on the 3rd line instead, but Zadina's a decent bet for a bounce-back season playing alongside Eklund and Hertl and I project him to have a good year with SJ and stick around.