Im thinking similarly, but finding a spot for Big Shak and I think graf stays in the AHL next year.

I like the idea, but Stephenson is probably not the right guy, he'll likely want term.

CHI isn't paying for Burroughs or Rutta. But, Congrats on the lottery win!

I think Shak has experience playing RD even though he shoots left. Put him in Vlasic's spot.

I've researched a lot of FA Dmen for the Sharks and I agree that OEL would be a great fit. Moves the puck, runs the powerplay, but not soft or a defensive liability. Veteran leader who has fought through injury and adversity. If he gets a Cup with Florida this year he might consider signing with a team like the Sharks.

On RD DeMelo or Roy.

Thrun does as well, so im sure there is a way to work it out.

So many 5th,6th and 7th Dmen on the sharks roster. need to move 2 or 3 of them this summer. (rutta, burroughs, benning, Emberson, Muk, Thrun, Addison, Vlasic) All of them are bottom pair guys right now. Not sure how they should go about this

Agreed. I'd keep Ferraro, Muk, Thrun, and Emberson.
The rest could go.
Burroughs could get buried in the Cuda.
Might need to keep Vlasic just to reach the cap floor, but don't play him.
Addison is an RFA. Either trade him or don't qualify him.
Trade Rutta if possible.
Benning was decent in 2022 - 23. Could be a P3 defender or trade bait.
Ferraro is good enough to keep, but not to be P1. He's also one of the few Sharks with decent trade value that we would consider trading.

Need to bring in at least two top 4 free agent defenders such as OEL, Dillon, Zadorov, Skjei, Roy, or DeMelo. At least one of whom can carry or pass the puck out of our zone and quarterback a powerplay. . And at least one of whom is physical, defensively sound, and can clear the crease.

I don't see much hope in improving our defense via trade. The Sharks shouldn't trade Eklund, Zetterlund, picks or prospects and don't have much else worth trading. A cap dump defender would be nice, but might not be a player we actually want. Also most cap dump candidates have NMC's and wouldn't waive to come to SJ. .