I wouldn't personally trade for Kane, but if the Pens decided to pursue him, I don't think MM would work considering the major logjam they have at LHD.

EDIT: I misspoke. I meant more the large amount of money they're spending on their d-core right now. I think they'd have a better shot at trying Zucker.

I agree. Just not sure what the Pens could do to balance out cap and send something SJ’s way that they don’t mind taking. Not sure how Matheson has been playing but that contract is kind of a no-no for the Sharks for the reasons you stated. And I’m not sure I’d want to take back Zucker either considering he’s just fallen off a cliff and has 2 years on his deal instead of just one.

Matheson is a funny case. He's actually been playing well, but he will probably never play up to his contract. His one area of weakness is turnovers and while he does commit those, it's not at the level it was prior to him coming here. You guys don't need another offensive-minded dman. He's overkill for a team like SJ.

Zucker has actually been playing some stellar hockey this year, but he's just incredibly unlucky. He also will probably never live up to his contract, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a good player for any team. I guess it really comes down to what SJ needs to do to get Kane off the books, right? Their situation is definitely unique and they don't have any real leverage.

Interesting yeah I agree with you on Matheson even if he’s playing somewhat up to his contract, he’s absolutely not what the Sharks need lol. Our blue line probably couldn’t handle another player who is mostly offensively minded.

I guess Zucker would be okay - just kind of contingent on the Sharks moving someone like Labanc soon to make some more cap room in case we decide to keep Hertl. As long as he’s not completely terrible it’s an option. The Kane situation is not a good one and we don’t have much leverage but at least he’s a very good hockey player. If he was not that good a buyout would be the only option.

What's your team's plans at this point? I'm honestly not trying to make a dig, but are you guys planning on rebuilding?

Honestly hard to say. If they really wanted to rebuild I think they would have already. So I think they’re trying to be competitive at the very least. I’ve been on the rebuild train for quite awhile now cause with all the contracts on this team, it’s hard to see the Sharks making a deep playoff run anytime soon. But most things done by sharks fans on this site are based on the presumption that we’re trying to compete.

Yeah and all evidence seems to look like they're trying to compete, but I agree with you and think you have great pieces (some with retention) to quickly stock up some quality futures. I look at you guys and think of the Pens, too. I'm worried we aren't going to rebuild in a couple of years when we really should.