Team: 2023-24 San Jose Sharks

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 12, 2023

Published: Mar. 12, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Sharks are likely going to pick Top 3 in this upcoming draft so if they somehow win & can land Bedard at #1 it would change the franchise forever.

I don’t think Grier should be trading away EK65 unless he can get A+ prospect(s) and 1st round pick back in return AND without having to retain any of EK’s salary. His production is very high and this season he proved why he’s worth 11M AAV. Grier should be focusing on buying out Vlasic’s and Labanc’s horrific contracts that alone will free up a bunch of Cap space for other moves.

This lineup is a lot more balanced LH + RH and up the middle. Much more youth and skill involved here and that is why I don’t think EK65 should be going anywhere. He’s the best puck moving D man in the world and these skillful youth players need him feeding them picks. Bringing in guys like JT + Severson helps with faceoffs, PK and puck possession. Sharks will have a ton of cap open if they make the moves I’ve made.. so they can afford to spend a little in FA on these two guys. My guess is Severson will be in the 5-6M range and JT 4-5M range.

Goaltending is the real ? next season. I like what I’ve seen from Makiniemei when he got called up but unless Kaapo can step up then Grier might have to trade for one because there aren’t very many UFA goalies under 34 years old that are worth signing.

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