It’s time for another edition of NHL rumnours. We’re deep into the Stanley Cup Final, but there’s plenty of hot stove action to hash out. Some teams have already gotten a jump on their off-season work. However, general managers are also getting offers to make trades. The San Jose Sharks had a season to forget, but they will get the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. However, there are some clubs trying to asking about some of their players. Today’s NHL rumours looks into the Sharks listening to offers on one of their top defencemen.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
San Jose Sharks Getting Calls on Defenceman
Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that the Sharks have gotten calls about blueliner Mario Ferraro.
Analysis: Ferraro did draw interest at the trade deadline, but stayed with the club. The Toronto native has two more seasons left on his current deal at a manageable $3.25 million cap hit. He isn’t on the trade block, but Sharks General Manager Mike Grier has been fielding calls on the 25-year-old blueliner.
The former second-round pick was able to generate some offence this season for the Sharks. Ferraro recorded 21 points, included a career-best 18 assists in 78 games. His defensive stats may not be the best to look at. However, San Jose’s defence struggled mightily over the last two campaigns. Ferraro has been one of the best on his team as the team did a much better job at limiting shots with him on the ice. San Jose gives up nearly 2.5 shots less when Ferarro is on the ice. His numbers could improve if he were to find a way onto a better team.
Test Driving the Ferraro
Teams would love to get their hands on Ferraro, but it’s going to cost a lot to pry him away from Grier. Pagnotta reports it would take a first-round pick and potentially two other high-value assets. This seems like a huge asking price to get the young blueliner. Pagnotta also reported that a number of teams were looking into Ferraro at the deadline. According to the insider, the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes were among the clubs interested.
One thing working against the Sharks is the number of defencemen that are available in free agency without giving up assets. Ferraro does have a low cap-hit, but it may not be worth giving up so many assets to get him. Someone like a Sean Walker might cost a bit more, but it would only be money and not draft picks or players that would cost the franchise.
The Rebuild Continues
San Jose does get a shot at drafting Macklin Celebrini in the upcoming draft. San Jose also hired 36-year-old Ryan Warsofsky as the team’s next head coach. Warsofsky has handled young talent at the AHL level and is a former Division III player. There are going to be some likely growing pains for both the players and the coach in the next couple of seasons.
Ferraro seems like the type of player that can figure into the future plans of the franchise. He’s been one of the better players on the back end for a defensive group that has a lot of work left to do. Grier has two more seasons to lock up Ferraro to a new contract. The defender can sign a contract extension on July 1, 2025. Both sides have time to make a deal happen. If one doesn’t come about, then Grier can worry about getting some return for Ferarro.
San Jose is right to make the asking price a high one for Ferraro. Making someone pay a bunch only makes sense.
Main photo by: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
