What’s Next for Sharks’ GM Mike Grier After Sending Vanecek to the Florida Panthers?

SAN JOSE — Goalie Vitek Vanecek is headed to the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. This move raises questions about which San Jose Sharks players might be traded before the NHL’s trade deadline on Friday.

The Sharks made the deal, sending Vanecek to the Panthers in exchange for forward Patrick Giles. Vanecek, along with several other players set to become unrestricted free agents, could be the first of many departures as San Jose looks to make changes.

On the same day, the Sharks picked up defenseman Vincent Desharnais from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2028 fifth-round pick. Desharnais, 28, has played 44 games this season and brings valuable experience, with three assists and an average ice time of 15:37. He is in the first year of a two-year contract worth $4 million.

The Panthers needed a backup goalie after trading Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks. For the Sharks, Patrick Giles is a veteran AHL player who could help the Barracuda make a playoff push.

As the trade deadline looms, it’s unclear how many players the Sharks will move. General manager Mike Grier is considering offers for several players, including forwards Luke Kunin and Nico Sturm, and defenseman Jan Rutta. Grier is looking for at least a second-round draft pick for Kunin and possibly similar for Sturm. There are also teams interested in defenseman Mario Ferraro, who has one year left on his contract.

With many teams still vying for a playoff spot, particularly in the Eastern Conference, this could be a good opportunity for the Sharks to negotiate favorable deals. Grier believes several of his players can significantly impact winning games and may be worth a steep price.

Vanecek’s departure seemed imminent; he was held out of Tuesday’s game for trade reasons. In his place, Alexandar Georgiev started against the Sabres. Despite Vanecek’s struggles this season, he has a solid career record, with significant experience among Sharks, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals.

To fill the void, the Sharks recalled goalie Georgi Romanov from the Barracuda, as they prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche. Romanov has been solid in the AHL, boasting an 11-6-3 record and a .905 save percentage this season.

Giles, at 6-foot-5 and 218 pounds, has seen limited action in the NHL but will join the Barracuda. He played at Boston College before beginning his professional career, and he’s looking to make an impact in the AHL as well.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Sharks are at a crossroads. The choices they make could shape the future of the team.

Check out this related article: Unstoppable Alisson: How the Liverpool Goalkeeper Seized His Moment on the Big Stage | Insights by Barney Ronay

Source link

hockey,inside sports,keywee,pm report,sharks alert