The San Jose Sharks, a franchise that has been a perennial contender in the NHL for many years, find themselves in a transitional phase. With their recent struggles and a clear shift towards a rebuilding strategy, the organization is making tough decisions regarding its roster. In this examination of the 2023 Hot Seat Radar, we delve deeper into the San Jose Sharks’ current situation, highlighting key players and factors that could shape their future.
Hot Seat: Logan Couture, Center
Logan Couture, a longtime fixture of the San Jose Sharks, is facing an uncertain future with the team. At 34 years old, Couture has been a cornerstone of the franchise, known for his leadership and offensive prowess. However, the changing dynamics of the Sharks’ roster and their pursuit of a rebuilding phase raise questions about his role and longevity with the team.
As the captain of the San Jose Sharks, Couture’s departure would signify a significant shift in leadership and team dynamics.
Couture is under contract for four more years, carrying an $8-million cap hit. While this may seem like a commitment to his continued presence in San Jose, several factors come into play. Firstly, his age suggests that he may not be in his prime when the Sharks are ready to contend for the Stanley Cup again. This misalignment of timelines could prompt Couture to explore other options, particularly if he desires a chance at capturing hockey’s ultimate prize.
Additionally, Couture possesses a modified no-trade clause, allowing him to specify three teams to which he cannot be traded. This limited no-trade clause provides him with some control over his destiny, making any potential trade negotiations more complex. The Sharks’ management, led by GM Mike Grier, faces the challenge of finding a trade destination that aligns with Couture’s preferences while securing a valuable return for the team.
Warm Seat (Tie): Forwards Anthony Duclair, Mike Hoffman, Alexander Barabanov, and Kevin Labanc
The San Jose Sharks’ shift towards a full-scale rebuild places several veteran forwards on the hot seat. Anthony Duclair, Mike Hoffman, Alexander Barabanov, and Kevin Labanc, all set to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) in the summer of 2024, are prime candidates for trades.
The Sharks’ commitment to rebuilding suggests that retaining these veterans for the long term is counterproductive to their goals.
These forwards offer valuable assets for a team in transition. While none of them carry exorbitant cap hits, they bring diverse skill sets and experience to potential suitors. Labanc ($4.725 million) and Hoffman ($4.5 million) are the highest earners among the quartet, while Duclair ($3 million) and Barabanov ($2.5 million) provide cost-effective options for teams seeking short-term reinforcements.
With their contracts set to expire next summer, these forwards could become coveted rental acquisitions for playoff-bound teams. GM Mike Grier has an opportunity to capitalize on their market value and acquire draft picks or NHL-ready prospects in return. Of the four, only Barabanov has a limited no-trade clause, applicable to 10 teams, which still offers flexibility in trade negotiations.
While Mikael Granlund, another veteran forward, is under contract for the next two seasons at $5 million per year, the Sharks might consider retaining some of Granlund’s salary to facilitate a trade. However, it’s the four aforementioned forwards who are likely to attract significant interest from playoff contenders, making their departure from San Jose a probable scenario.
Cold Seat: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Defenseman
Marc-Edouard Vlasic, once a premier shutdown defenseman, now finds himself on the cold seat. At 36 years old, he’s well past his prime, and Father Time has taken its toll on his on-ice performance.
Because of his contract, he’s likely to be a Shark for his entire career.
While Vlasic’s defensive abilities were highly sought after during his prime, his $7-million cap hit makes him a challenging asset to move. Most NHL teams are wary of taking on such a substantial salary for a player in the twilight of his career. The Sharks, constrained by the rules governing salary retention in buyouts, have limited flexibility in this regard.
Despite his age, Vlasic may still contribute effectively in limited minutes, as evidenced by his average ice time of 17:28 per game last season. However, his cap hit remains the primary obstacle to any potential trade. Given his contract, it’s increasingly likely that Vlasic will remain a Shark for the duration of his career.
In conclusion, the San Jose Sharks’ journey towards rebuilding involves difficult decisions regarding their veteran players. Logan Couture’s departure seems inevitable, while forwards Duclair, Hoffman, Barabanov, and Labanc are likely trade candidates. Vlasic, on the other hand, appears destined to conclude his career in San Jose due to his substantial cap hit. The Sharks face a period of transition, and these player movements are indicative of their commitment to a brighter future.
