Something different

Team: 2023-24 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 18, 2023

Published: Jul. 18, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Unhappy with the EK69 offers, Grier decides to go the other way.

If they lose Karlsson, I don't see how they compete for the next 4 years under Couture's contract. Instead, they make some moves to try to compete sooner.

Vlasic may be the most over-hated d-man in the League. Overpaid, sure, but not completely useless. He gets a fresh start on a team that barely has any relevant NHL LD and the cap to take him full on. If he still doesn't work out, his buyout price is not that bad in June 2024 (3.8, 4.8, 1.3, 1.3).

In return for this little risk, they get Eklund and a 1st round pick. That's a lot for SJS to give up, but I think it's worth it to shed Vlasic with no retention. They also get a bottom 6 center to help fill that hole.

In free agency, they overpay for a top 6 winger and top 4 d-man. I might've went a little heavy on the terms; adjust accordingly. They overpay to convince them to play on a rebuilder. With the cap spiking up, this should even out nicely in two years.

I don't think this team is an immediate contender, but they are closer to their goal rather than being further away.