San Jose Sharks' GM Mike Grier addressed the trades of Fabian Zetterlund and Jake Walman after the 2025 NHL trade deadline. Grier explained that while both players had value, they were seen more as "bridge" players rather than core pieces essential to the team's future. Walman, despite being a solid defenseman, was deemed inconsistent, leading to his trade for a 2026 first-round pick. Zetterlund's situation involved arbitration and negotiation, but his fate also pointed to San Jose's strategic direction moving forward despite ongoing talks for contract extension.
Grier confirmed that the Sharks valued Zetterlund and Walman as bridge players but felt they weren't core pieces for the franchise's future.
The team received a 2026 first-round draft pick for Walman, a price Grier stated they couldn’t turn down given his inconsistent performance.
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