Sharks Locker Room Insights: ‘Let’s Play Our Game and Make a Strong Stand!’

DENVER — The young players of the San Jose Sharks are facing a tough test as the Trade Deadline approaches.

After a strong 6-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres, the excitement dipped when goalie Vitek Vanecek was held out for possible trade discussions. Things got even more intense during the game against the Colorado Avalanche. Nico Sturm was traded, and both Luke Kunin and Jake Walman were kept on the sidelines for trade reasons. Soon after, Walman was officially sent to the Edmonton Oilers.

The whirlwind of changes left the Sharks looking shaken in a challenging 7-3 loss against a powerful Avalanche team.

“There was a lot happening, and we saw the human side of our players tonight,” said head coach Ryan Warsofsky. “It’s tough at the end of a road trip against such a strong team. Mentally, we just weren’t all there, and it showed right from the start.”

Even with the losses of Sturm and Walman, and the uncertainty surrounding Kunin, the team still has leaders who stepped up following the defeat. Alternate captain Tyler Toffoli emphasized the need for the remaining players to focus on their performance. “We can’t sit back and let things happen. We have to step up and play hard.”

Barclay Goodrow reminded everyone that trade activity is a normal part of the sport. “This happens all the time. It’s a cycle we’re used to, and it’s not the last time we’ll see it.”

Despite the setback, the Sharks had shown resilience earlier in their road trip, achieving two unexpected wins against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Sabres. They delivered some of their best performances of the season, but now they must regroup after the latest roster changes.

(Note: At the time of the interviews, the trade involving Jake Walman had not been finalized.)

Tyler Toffoli on the day’s challenges:

It’s tough, but we knew this was a possibility. We feel for our friends who were traded, but we must focus on our game. It’s our responsibility to perform and not embarrass ourselves.

Barclay Goodrow reflects on trade day:

There’s not much to say. This is part of our business. It’s something we all understand.

Ryan Warsofsky on the team’s tough day:

It was a hard day with Sturmy gone. You could see the human side of our players struggling on the ice. They were not at their best, and that’s what is frustrating for us as coaches.

On giving Alex Wennberg a leadership role:

Alex has stepped up significantly. He plays a lot of minutes and provides guidance to the younger guys. He earned that “A” on his jersey through his hard work.

Mario Ferraro on communication before the game:

We learned about Sturmy in the morning, while the news about the other two players came shortly before the game. It was unexpected but we were all prepared to play.

Ferraro on handling trade distractions:

Honestly, I’m doing better this year than in the past. I focus on my game. My loyalty is here as long as I’m a Shark—that’s my duty.