Speculation: 2023-24-25-26 Sharks Roster Discussion

[Misko]

As an outside observer/neutral fan that likes what y'all are building here, I think moving Graf would be a mistake for the Sharks, or at least premature at this stage. Sure more talented wingers could be coming, especially if y'all draft Stenberg, but teams around the league would salivate to acquire an elite PKer who can hold his own in Top-Middle 6 minutes.

Even if Graf settles in as a 3rd liner with strong PK utility and depth scoring, those are the type of players that provide the necessary depth to win games in the postseason. Carolina might be the best, most recent example and Graf fits the mold of a Carolina type of player if you ask me.

If you're moving Graf for an upgrade for your blueline, it's gotta be for someone that moves the needle and trust me players like Rielly and Nurse will not do that.

 

[SJS1991]

Hasnt gone well in OTT... i remember when everyone was freaking out about losing Zetterlund.... good times.

 

[weastern bias]

Hasnt gone well in OTT... i remember when everyone was freaking out about losing Zetterlund.... good times.

I'm still waiting for the Sharks to relocate

That thread was so f***ing funny

 

[Cas]

Hasnt gone well in OTT... i remember when everyone was freaking out about losing Zetterlund.... good times.

I'm wondering why the author bothers to note that Zetterlund's contract is in U.S. dollars, when all NHL contracts are in U.S. dollars.

 

[weastern bias]

I'm wondering why the author bothers to note that Zetterlund's contract is in U.S. dollars, when all NHL contracts are in U.S. dollars.

Because Ottawa only has $46USD to spend on player salaries

 

[cheechoo]

Do we in aggregate have a package that would entice Buffalo for Byram? I have no idea what they’d even want.

Seems like they just have too many guys they like, and/or have already paid.

They have about $12 million in cap space this summer with Tuch, Krebs and Benson to pay.

I would assume Grier would have at least checked in during convo’s with Jarmo about Kesselring.

A potential core of Byram, Reid and Dickinson to build around on the backend is pretty filthy.

 

[weastern bias]

Do we in aggregate have a package that would entice Buffalo for Byram? I have no idea what they’d even want.

Seems like they just have too many guys they like, and/or have already paid.

They have about $12 million in cap space this summer with Tuch, Krebs and Benson to pay.

I would assume Grier would have at least checked in during convo’s with Jarmo about Kesselring.

A potential core of Byram, Reid and Dickinson to build around on the backend is pretty filthy.

In theory we can put together a compelling package for just about anyone that hits the market right now, the question is whether or not it makes sense to overpay for a guy with as limited of a utility as Byram, who really is an offense only player that has never proven he can carry the load as the #1 guy on his team

 

[TheBeard]

Do we in aggregate have a package that would entice Buffalo for Byram? I have no idea what they’d even want.

Seems like they just have too many guys they like, and/or have already paid.

They have about $12 million in cap space this summer with Tuch, Krebs and Benson to pay.

I would assume Grier would have at least checked in during convo’s with Jarmo about Kesselring.

A potential core of Byram, Reid and Dickinson to build around on the backend is pretty filthy.

Looks like Benson is getting 7 and I doubt Tuch is back. Gives them more flexibility.

 

[Zarzh]

Something something never broke 18 minutes

Something something #6D

Something something appeal to the authority of. . . checks notes. . . André Tourigny. . .

He literally did not average 18 minutes. He was 6th in TOI/game in Utah/Arizona and a healthy scratch in Buffalo.

 

[timorous me]

As an outside observer/neutral fan that likes what y'all are building here, I think moving Graf would be a mistake for the Sharks, or at least premature at this stage. Sure more talented wingers could be coming, especially if y'all draft Stenberg, but teams around the league would salivate to acquire an elite PKer who can hold his own in Top-Middle 6 minutes.

Even if Graf settles in as a 3rd liner with strong PK utility and depth scoring, those are the type of players that provide the necessary depth to win games in the postseason. Carolina might be the best, most recent example and Graf fits the mold of a Carolina type of player if you ask me.

If you're moving Graf for an upgrade for your blueline, it's gotta be for someone that moves the needle and trust me players like Rielly and Nurse will not do that.

It's really only one person here who doesn't value Graf and wants to trade him for a depressed asset who even he admits will likely have to be bought out in a couple years.

I won't go so far as to say it's trolling, but more like audience-baiting performance art at this point.

 

[Cas]

It's really only one person here who doesn't value Graf and wants to trade him for a depressed asset who even he admits will likely have to be bought out in a couple years.

I won't go so far as to say it's trolling, but more like audience-baiting performance art at this point.

Its fantastically annoying is what it is, monopolizing discussion because people insist on responding to that which deserves no response and leaving no room for anything else

 

[Zarzh]

Do we in aggregate have a package that would entice Buffalo for Byram? I have no idea what they’d even want.

Seems like they just have too many guys they like, and/or have already paid.

They have about $12 million in cap space this summer with Tuch, Krebs and Benson to pay.

I would assume Grier would have at least checked in during convo’s with Jarmo about Kesselring.

A potential core of Byram, Reid and Dickinson to build around on the backend is pretty filthy.

The Sharks will probably have a lot of trouble landing any big fish in a trade, they don't have a ton of picks and don't have really any prospects which other GMs could fall in love with.

They can make a decent offer for some guys, but aren't winning any bidding wars without creating another hole.

 

[matt trick]

Do we in aggregate have a package that would entice Buffalo for Byram? I have no idea what they’d even want.

Seems like they just have too many guys they like, and/or have already paid.

They have about $12 million in cap space this summer with Tuch, Krebs and Benson to pay.

I would assume Grier would have at least checked in during convo’s with Jarmo about Kesselring.

A potential core of Byram, Reid and Dickinson to build around on the backend is pretty filthy.

His value is reduced being a year from UFa with agent who recommends you go to UFA if you don’t get top dollar. In addition, there’s a strong belief he wants to get #1 PP minutes, but there are at least 15 teams with better options. I think his cap demands ($9.5-11M) along with mostly average at best defense will put team’s off. His age is a godsend however (5 years younger than Raddysh).

Teams where he’s not be the top PP/offensive option include SJ, Tampa, Philly, CGY, Chicago, St. Louis and arguably Van (Hronek/Buium), LA (Doughty/Clarke), Seattle (Montour), and Utah (Sergachev). Pitt (Karlsson) and NSH (Josi) he will be #1 within the next year or two.

Of those, the teams with a similar, better, (or better fit) asset than Eklund include Tippett, Kyrou, Wright, Snuggerud, and Nazar.

Better potentially available prospects than ours include Dvorsky, Butt, Rinzel, 11 and 15 overall. While he wouldn’t get the opportunity, I could see Florida offering 8 for Byram with the goal of stepping into the top four, and taking over Jones PP1 role in 2-3 years. Same with Anaheim offering McTavish and #2 minutes. Same issue as Buffalo, but with palm trees

Given the cap requirements and/or risk of moving on, and trade value, I think there’s a chance a deal around Eklund (or 3+ tertiary pieces) could get it done.

It’s a unique opportunity to get not only a top 30-50 dman, but one who’s age appropriate.

 

[weastern bias]

He literally did not average 18 minutes. He was 6th in TOI/game in Utah/Arizona and a healthy scratch in Buffalo.

Cool, I'll just ignore the quarter of the season where he played 20 minutes a night then, aggregate and all that

 

[Pinkfloyd]

The Sharks don't need a big fish to add to their blue line to move forward with their process. We need to just take the best deal available to fill a hole on the blue line and work through it until something better comes along while getting some development from the younger players.

 

[Zarzh]

The Sharks don't need a big fish to add to their blue line to move forward with their process. We need to just take the best deal available to fill a hole on the blue line and work through it until something better comes along while getting some development from the younger players.

They do if the process involves winning a cup. Being scared to spend assets on a 24 or 25 year old who can be part of the team for 8 years, but turning those assets into five nickels drastically shortens the window.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

They do if the process involves winning a cup. Being scared to spend assets on a 24 or 25 year old who can be part of the team for 8 years, but turning those assets into five nickels drastically shortens the window.

They don't need to do it this offseason though. It's not about being scared. It's about not being stupid with what you have.

 

[weastern bias]

The Sharks will probably have a lot of trouble landing any big fish in a trade, they don't have a ton of picks and don't have really any prospects which other GMs could fall in love with.

They can make a decent offer for some guys, but aren't winning any bidding wars without creating another hole.

We literally have two first round picks in this draft

What are you talking about?

 

[weastern bias]

They do if the process involves winning a cup. Being scared to spend assets on a 24 or 25 year old who can be part of the team for 8 years, but turning those assets into five nickels drastically shortens the window.

What if the 25 year old isn't any good, though?

 

[SJS1991]

His value is reduced being a year from UFa with agent who recommends you go to UFA if you don’t get top dollar. In addition, there’s a strong belief he wants to get #1 PP minutes, but there are at least 15 teams with better options. I think his cap demands ($9.5-11M) along with mostly average at best defense will put team’s off. His age is a godsend however (5 years younger than Raddysh).

Teams where he’s not be the top PP/offensive option include SJ, Tampa, Philly, CGY, Chicago, St. Louis and arguably Van (Hronek/Buium), LA (Doughty/Clarke), Seattle (Montour), and Utah (Sergachev). Pitt (Karlsson) and NSH (Josi) he will be #1 within the next year or two.

Of those, the teams with a similar, better, (or better fit) asset than Eklund include Tippett, Kyrou, Wright, Snuggerud, and Nazar.

Better potentially available prospects than ours include Dvorsky, Butt, Rinzel, 11 and 15 overall. While he wouldn’t get the opportunity, I could see Florida offering 8 for Byram with the goal of stepping into the top four, and taking over Jones PP1 role in 2-3 years. Same with Anaheim offering McTavish and #2 minutes. Same issue as Buffalo, but with palm trees

Given the cap requirements and/or risk of moving on, and trade value, I think there’s a chance a deal around Eklund (or 3+ tertiary pieces) could get it done.

It’s a unique opportunity to get not only a top 30-50 dman, but one who’s age appropriate.

BUF was very high on Eklund his draft year. I dont know if that was strictly Adams... but the talk was they wanted Eklund.

A deal would like be Eklund + 27 1st Round (top 10/15 protected) + other asset (roster player or some prospect like McKinney etc).

I dont know if its worth it given he is looking for 10M aav... i would just wait to see if he walks to FA next offseason. His agent likes to do that.

 

[Palaeontologists]

If you don't take Hodge seriously, he's really funny with his ridiculous takes.

 

[Star Platinum]

I realize he was hurt but do guys not come back from a high ankle sprain? I feel like we are freaking out over his health for nothing. It's not like he tore his ACL or something. I figure with a full offseason to rest/heal he's going to be 100% coming into camp

2026-01-22
Missed 1 game (Ankle injury).
2026-01-20
Ankle injury, day-to-day.
2026-01-14
Missed 5 games (Lower body injury).
2026-01-06
Lower body injury, injured reserve.
2026-01-02
Lower body injury, day-to-day.
2025-12-17
Missed 14 games (Lower body injury).
2025-11-17
Lower body injury, injured reserve.
2025-10-28
Missed 9 games (Undisclosed).
2025-10-03
Undisclosed, injured reserve.

Reported initial injury was to his knee.

 

[Star Platinum]

I’m guessing that Rielly is the “older” defenseman that Grier was talking about. To hold the fort for the defenseman he’s planning on drafting first. To let the new guy gain the experience to move into the top spot. I hope it’s Reid.

I don't suppose it would help at all to ask people to stop trying to speak this into existence?

 

[OrrNumber4]

Definitely feeling a bit of FOMO from Raddysh. Then again, why didn't TBL give him that contract?

 

[Star Platinum]

He was 5th in TOI for ARI in 2024 and 3rd in TOI for UTA in 2025, but go off with your inaccurate self

Here's the value of looking at TOI per game for defensemen as evidence of their value/ability.

#3: Ferraro
#4: Klingberg
#6: Llijegren