Confirmed with Link: TRADE: Sharks trade G Mackenzie Blackwood, F Givani Smith, 2027 5th to COL for G Alexandar Georgiev, F Nikolai Kovalenko, '26 2nd, Cond'l '25 5th

[Star Platinum]

Interesting that Grier was looking to extend Blackwood but the conversation with his agent basically expedited the trade

I wouldn't take Grier 100% at his word on everything he said there. The second we traded for Askarov and Colorado's goalie situation tanked, our fates were entwined. They needed a goalie, we needed not to lose him for nothing. There was zero chance Blackwood was coming back for a 1A/1B type situation on a rebuilding team.

 

[Kcoyote3]

I like Grier. He doesn't sell us bullshit. Blackwood would be too expensive and there's a decent chance he doesn't maintain his good form. He gets a good deal done even though he really liked the player. Realistic.

 

[DarrylshutzSydor]

Was hoping for Kaiden Guhlie from Montreal.......oh well

 

[STL Shark]

The logic of this deal from the interview/media availability is so sound. We're in good hands here and I am excited for the future.

Not sure what the next move is, but I like the timeline that Grier sort of laid out with the next 2 years being the build up window. We should get our top draft pick this year, and from there start to be more aggressive in building the NHL roster with good players rather than just spare parts that are closer to replacement level.

Playoffs in 2027 should be the goal with how we're putting this thing together.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

I like Grier. He doesn't sell us bullshit. Blackwood would be too expensive and there's a decent chance he doesn't maintain his good form. He gets a good deal done even though he really liked the player. Realistic.

That and the deal is about as favorable of one for Blackwood too. Colorado is a good team and him showing out there can get him a huge contract in free agency. He'd have a hard time gaining value for his next contract with us.

 

[timorous me]

The logic of this deal from the interview/media availability is so sound. We're in good hands here and I am excited for the future.

Not sure what the next move is, but I like the timeline that Grier sort of laid out with the next 2 years being the build up window. We should get our top draft pick this year, and from there start to be more aggressive in building the NHL roster with good players rather than just spare parts that are closer to replacement level.

Playoffs in 2027 should be the goal with how we're putting this thing together.

Seriously, that was one of the most honest interviews (edited, not press conferences; just realized Sheng said that was an exclusive--great work!) I can remember from a GM in any sport--and the way Grier talked about things made me truly believe (not that I was really doubting it) that he's got a really strong grasp on every aspect of the job, from the roster and system, to the way of evaluating trades and talent, to the way he understands things from the player/team perspective. And he's fully realistic about this team he's building.

The funny thing too is that I feel like he's now made a number of trades or pickups that many of us sort of saw coming or were hoping for, and they all look good, which is an unusual feeling. And the ones he's made that have been somewhat surprising have shown that he really does have his finger on the pulse of this team and its overall direction.

 

[Levie]

Not sure how any Sharks fan can dislike this move. Blackwood wasn't our goalie of the future and we got better than historical return for him.

 

[JoeThorntonsRooster]

The logic of this deal from the interview/media availability is so sound. We're in good hands here and I am excited for the future.

Not sure what the next move is, but I like the timeline that Grier sort of laid out with the next 2 years being the build up window. We should get our top draft pick this year, and from there start to be more aggressive in building the NHL roster with good players rather than just spare parts that are closer to replacement level.

Playoffs in 2027 should be the goal with how we're putting this thing together.

The timeline sounds great, but it would be a tough pill to swallow being bad without tanking next year with Gavin McKenna looking like the best prospect since McDavid. Seems like the worst year to draft 9th.

 

[Puckstop40]

You guys will like Kovalenko. Grier did a good job getting assets here too. Fourgiev will help get you another high pick if you start him as well.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

You guys will like Kovalenko. Grier did a good job getting assets here too. Fourgiev will help get you another high pick if you start him as well.

Anything Kovalenko brings to the team is a bonus, imo.

 

[The Nemesis]

The timeline sounds great, but it would be a tough pill to swallow being bad without tanking next year with Gavin McKenna looking like the best prospect since McDavid. Seems like the worst year to draft 9th.

the unfortunate thing is that there's always going to be a big shiny prospect on the horizon. McKenna next year, Dupont the year after that... If the Sharks were to constantly wait for the crest of the "next big thing" wave before they start looking up they'd be stuck in the basement forever.

 

[Cas]

the unfortunate thing is that there's always going to be a big shiny prospect on the horizon. McKenna next year, Dupont the year after that... If the Sharks were to constantly wait for the crest of the "next big thing" wave before they start looking up they'd be stuck in the basement forever.

Yes, there's no sense in worrying about missing out on someone great, let's just hope we have (and after this summer, will have) some great future stars as it is.

 

[timorous me]

The timeline sounds great, but it would be a tough pill to swallow being bad without tanking next year with Gavin McKenna looking like the best prospect since McDavid. Seems like the worst year to draft 9th.

My solution? Get a top three pick this year on merit, win the lottery for McKenna in 2026!

 

[Hangemhigh]

Another great trade by GMMG. Hopefully Georgiev gets the tank rolling as Blackwood was possibly the biggest block to it. He really earn his way onto a good team and maybe a big contract.

Tough to be in teal, as you know Granlund is probably next. I expect a losing streak as the hope fades away.

 

[Bizz]

I wanted the Sharks to go after Georgiev a couple of years ago after he left the Rangers in free agency. Hopefully he can return to his Rangers form and we can flip him for even more profit.

 

[The Nemesis]

Yes, there's no sense in worrying about missing out on someone great, let's just hope we have (and after this summer, will have) some great future stars as it is.

I wouldn't turn down sucking in a couple of years for Landon Dupont to really round off the defensive core especially if they can't get Schaefer this season, but they can't cling to the tank forever.

 

[DG93]

Another great trade by Grier, LFG

 

[Tkachuk4MVP]

I get that we had to take back 4giev, and that he helps our draft position, but I’ll be a little bummed if he cuts into a bunch of Askarov starts. Not sure how much more he has to prove in the AHL.

 

[LadyStanley]

Paywall


Paywall

 

[Shark Finn]

Reading the Georgiev "appreciation" thread (in reality it has to be the worst shitting-on thread I've seen ) over at HFAvs, I get the sense the guy is a bit of a locker room cancer. Hopefully he doesn't continue it here.

 

[Jargon]

Scouts that Sheng interviewed like Kovalenko (I recommend subscribing to Sheng’s blog, he’s great obviously) — I’m very curious to see what he can bring. I have to imagine he takes Kunin or Goodrow’s spot on the third line.

 

[Star Platinum]

Reading the Georgiev "appreciation" thread (in reality it has to be the worst shitting-on thread I've seen ) over at HFAvs, I get the sense the guy is a bit of a locker room cancer. Hopefully he doesn't continue it here.

The thing about going to one of the worst teams in your league as a salary dump is that it's usually your last stop on your way to being done as an player in that league, so if he has any motivation to continue being an NHL player, it may behoove him to work on being a better teammate. At any rate, we've got zero investment in this guy so if he's at all a problem, he's a very easy waive that undoubtedly no team will pick up.

 

[LadyStanley]

 

[Murzu]

Reading the Georgiev "appreciation" thread (in reality it has to be the worst shitting-on thread I've seen ) over at HFAvs, I get the sense the guy is a bit of a locker room cancer. Hopefully he doesn't continue it here.

Georgiev was absolutely despised on and off the ice by the fan base and sometimes had problems with teammates. It's no wonder the "appreciation" thread ended up like that. . He has the talent but he seems like a nut case. You'd be best advised to shoot him to the moon so he doesn't cause issues in the locker room.

Kovalenko, I'm a fan. He has okish speed, goes to dirty areas, has a motor, is passable defensively and has some creativity also (won't blow your mind). I see him having good 3rd liner potential, he is at least an ok bottom six player.

Love the fact that if Kovalenko had to be traded to one team, it was to the Sharks. As we will have our final years to contend, your best years will begin. See ya in the playoffs in a year or two!

 

[Anomie2029]

Scouts that Sheng interviewed like Kovalenko (I recommend subscribing to Sheng’s blog, he’s great obviously) — I’m very curious to see what he can bring. I have to imagine he takes Kunin or Goodrow’s spot on the third line.

To be honest, I’d take that with a grain of salt. Sheng’s regular scout interviews are used to justify whatever the Sharks want the message to be. They’ve talked up how good Ferraro and Kunin is too.