Would assume Pit 1st

I dunno, he definitely isn't worth as much now as he was a year ago. I wonder if the Sharks would even be interested in him, or if the fact that he will be an RFA again in 2026 with a 5.75m QO doesn't sit well with them.

On what grounds is your horrid take based?

To be clear, he is absolutely a very talented young player, but I don't think anyone can honestly say he is playing at the samr level he was last year. He still is absolutely worth real assets, but I don't think the rest of the league will be 100% confident that he can hit his ceiling.

As far as the Sharks go, they might not want a player who (assuming he does continue to develop) will be due for a large raise in 2.5 years, right as the Sharks are heading into their next playoff window. He has arbitration rights and has already shown that he is willing to play hardball, that isn't exactly attractive to a front office.

If you check around, he picked up an injury early in the season, tried to play through it for quite a while before they shut him down to heal. Since returning, he put up a point a game and looked like his usual self, though he left tonight in the first period with something.

To further complicate playing hurt, new coach, new system, missed camp, etc. it's really not a surprise there was a slow start.

The sharks would have to pay a premium for inter division (and state) rivals, but given how he helps ticket revenue, might be something the sharks consider.

I ultimately don't think the Sharks are the best fit for him, but I do wonder what a reasonable price would be. I think Mukhamadilin is a good start, he's a blue chip defense prospect. Bordeleau is another good asset, is Zegras worth more than that?

Significantly, yes. Kid put up 61 and 65 points in his rookie and sophomore years, that points to PPG+ throughout his prime. We wouldn't trade him unless there's an equal upside guy coming the other way, at a position of need, and in Verbeeks chosen flavor.

So any specific reasonable trades come to mind? It seems like the Ducks aren't interested in draft picks, and they likely aren't interested.in anyone over the age of 25. So you need to get a player just as skilled as Zegras but with a better disposition?

I really don't know the Sharks system at all, I know it's in the process of building up so while it's not as barren as it once was the top talent pickings aren't exactly flush. Most of what I know about the sharks system is based on how pissed @Rob32sjsharks when we acquire someone he has his eye on (love ya buddy)

I had hoped that when it came out SJ was shopping Meier that we would acquire him. Pipe dream I know, and the timing wasn't right, but he's the kind of guy we're looking for.

Bystedt looks to have improved from where he was drafted with a strong WJC, Haltunen also looks to be the right flavor of guy but he's not looking like an impact piece, kind of hard to know without an intimate knowledge of the Sharks system.

Living rent free in your head aren’t I.. LoL
Yes I am a little overzealous about the sharks Prospects and while I hope I’m reasonable about my expectations I am well aware I’m extremely protective of them.
I’ll try and be better.

Halttunen I like, his shot is very good! But he shoots too much and needs to learn when to shoot and when to use the threat of his shot to fool teams and get of a better pass for better opportunities from his team mates, he also needs to work on the other aspects of his game, he’s likely 3 years away from challenging for a spot and if he makes the NHL it’s likely as a 3rd line scoring wing and PP guy.

Bystedt has improved impressively since being drafted but is still about 2 years away at least. And once he makes it he’s likely a bigger more skilled version of Sturm but most likely a bottom 6 C.

I do think Mukhamadulin, Bordeleau, and a 1st might be enough! But I don’t think ANA should do that nor do I think the Sharks should, not a bad deal but both teams are likely better off status Quo.

Still think he’s worth it. But not sure it’s the right move.

Sharks have shown a willingness to work with players and our Owner has DEEP pockets and has no issue spending big to make the team better! (Offered Taveras 7x 13 mil and gave Karlsson 11.5x8)
The biggest issue would be how much we lose to get him and how much that hurts the rebuild and if he’s willing to resign here or force a trade out.
I said Mukhamadulin Bordeleau and a 1st seems fair, but the inter division tax makes me feel the ask would start with Eklund and Smith, and at minimum Would have to be us letting go of Musty, and a 1st.