Five Sharks musings: Should Mike Grier continue to add? Trouble with Sherwood?

"The San Jose Sharks put themselves in playoff contention with how well they played through the first three-plus months of the season, and general manager rewarded the group this week by acquiring forward Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks for second round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. Now it's a matter of whether Grier will continue to add. The Sharks, per PuckPedia, will have close to $8 million in salary cap space by the NHL trade deadline in March."

"While Grier will likely continue to keep his eyes open, it likely only makes sense for him at this point to bring in players who fit in for the medium and long-term. The Sharks have spent the last three or four years building up a prospect pool thought to be the best in the NHL. They also have a combined three first-round draft picks this year and next, giving them an opportunity to add long-term difference-makers."

"Could the Sharks have interest in a defenseman that has term? Considering they have just two blueliners Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson signed past this season, and only so much NHL-ready talent in the pipeline, that seems like a possibility. Still, this isn't a go for it' type year for the Sharks. Kind of like the Montreal Canadiens of last season, they're probably a year ahead of schedule, and not one player away from competing for a Cup."

The San Jose Sharks entered playoff contention after a strong first three-plus months and added Kiefer Sherwood for second-round picks in 2026 and 2027. The team projects roughly $8 million in salary cap space by the March trade deadline, which positions management to pursue additions that fit medium- and long-term plans. The Sharks have spent multiple years building a deep prospect pool and hold three combined first-round picks this year and next, creating opportunities to add long-term difference-makers. Trading top prospects or first-rounders for pending UFA rentals appears unlikely. A defenseman with term could be a realistic target given limited signed blueliners.

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