As the NHL draft approached, the San Jose Sharks made strategic moves to ensure a promising future for their team. With the opportunity to pick Boston University center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall selection, the Sharks were not content to sit back and wait for their future star. Instead, they decided to take action by trading up to obtain the 11th pick from the Buffalo Sabres, giving up their 14th and 42nd picks in the process. This bold move demonstrated the Sharks’ commitment to building a strong foundation for their team.
In addition to securing the potential top pick in the draft, the Sharks also finalized a deal with the Los Angeles Kings to acquire forward Carl Grundstrom in exchange for defenseman Kyle Burroughs. Grundstrom, who had a challenging season due to injuries, showed promise with eight goals and 12 points in 50 games. His addition provides the Sharks with a dynamic winger who has the potential to thrive with increased playing time. This move also marked the Sharks’ eighth pending restricted free agent, indicating their dedication to strengthening their roster for the upcoming season.
Building Towards the Future
With the culmination of these trades, the Sharks are poised to make significant strides in their rebuilding process. Having missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, the franchise is eager to turn the tide and establish themselves as contenders in the league. The addition of Celebrini, a Hobey Baker Award winner and standout collegiate player, adds a level of skill and talent to the Sharks’ lineup that is sure to make an impact. Pairing him with potential draft picks like Sam Dickinson, Tij Iginla, Zayne Parekh, and Carter Yakemchuk further enhances the team’s prospects for the future.
In the midst of these trades, the Sharks also locked in their first-round pick from the previous season, Will Smith, by signing him to an entry-level contract. Smith’s impressive performance at Boston College, where he tallied 25 goals and 71 points in just 41 games, showcased his potential to be a key contributor for the Sharks. Securing his contract was a strategic move by the team to solidify their core roster and set the stage for a successful season ahead.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings benefited from their trade with the Sharks by acquiring defenseman Kyle Burroughs. With two years remaining on his contract at a team-friendly rate, Burroughs brings a steady presence to the Kings’ blue line. His reliability on the penalty kill, coupled with his durability in playing a career-high 73 games last season, makes him a valuable asset for the Kings as they seek to strengthen their roster in anticipation of the upcoming season. With ample cap space available, the Kings are well-positioned to make additional moves in free agency to further bolster their lineup.
The San Jose Sharks’ strategic trades leading up to the NHL draft have positioned them for a bright future. By securing top talent in the draft, adding depth to their roster, and solidifying key contracts, the Sharks have demonstrated their commitment to building a competitive team. With a focus on long-term success and a drive to end their playoff drought, the Sharks are primed to make waves in the upcoming NHL season.
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