The San Jose Sharks jumped up seven spots in the NHL Draft Lottery to second overall and are in desperate need on defence. They are flush with forward prospects but only two defenders are signed for next year: Dmitry Orlov, a 34-year old left shot with one year remaining on his contract and Sam Dickinson, a 19-year old left shot coming off his rookie season.
Elite Prospects Consolidated Rankings have wingers, Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg as the top two prospects. Both have produced at near historic levels in the last one or two years in their respective leagues and are projected to be elite players in the NHL.
Nothing is stopping the Sharks from drafting a defenceman with the second overall pick but why not trade down to third overall and add some assets? Cue the Canucks.
The Canucks want either McKenna or Stenberg. Management has repeatedly mentioned that they expect their first round pick to be playing in the NHL at the start of the season. None of the prospects on defence are thought to be immediately ready for the NHL therefore they must have their sights on one of the wingers. Cue the Sharks! The Canucks have veteran defencemen on affordable, long-term contracts.
There is a clear fit here and an opportunity to secure the interests of both teams. The Canucks trade up one position to second overall, the Sharks shift down one position to third overall, and both teams get the player they covet.
So what will this cost the Canucks? Here are three trade proposals that make sense for both teams.
1. Canucks' 3rd overall and Marcus Pettersson for the Sharks' 2nd overall.
Why it benefits the Sharks: Marcus Pettersson is a 30 year-old left shot defender with four years remaining at $5.5 million per season. He struggled mightily last season under Adam Foote's system but is still considered a middle pair defender whose puck moving skills would complement the Sharks forwards very well. His leadership would be helpful to this young team.
Marcus Pettersson, acquired by VAN, is a top pair defenceman. Solid puck-mover and complementary presence, has improved offensively. Tall but not strong, gets hit constantly. Very good defensive stick and can swing the puck around the offensive zone. Hits the deck a bit too much. pic.twitter.com/oI8NOS13fH
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 1, 2025
Why it benefits the Canucks: By the time the Canucks are contending for a playoff spot, Marcus Pettersson will not be playing a significant role. Better to trade him while he's still an asset.
2. Canucks' 3rd overall and Filip Hronek for the Sharks' 2nd overall, first round pick 2026 (from Edmonton), 2nd round pick 2026 (from Colorado), and 4th round pick (from Florida ).
Why it benefits the Sharks: Filip Hronek is 28-year old, all-situation playing, top-pair right handed defender who has averaged 0.6-0.65 points per game the last four seasons. He has 6 years remaining on his contract at $7.25 million per season and is exactly the type of player the Sharks need. He is also a tremendous leader pushing "everyone to be their best" and "expects a lot from everyone."
Why it benefits the Canucks: Given what players like Justin Faulk and John Carlson returned in tradesat the deadline last year, Hronek is worth the equivalent of two first round picks. The Canucks get one first rounder in the 19th/20th (still to be determined) overall pick. The second round and fourth round picks plus the upgrade from third to second overall would be the equivalent of the other first round pick.
Canucks' 3rd overall and 2nd round pick in 2026 (pick 41) for the Sharks' 2nd overall and 2nd round pick in 2026 (from Colorado).
Why it benefits the Sharks: The Avalanche's second round pick will be in the range of 56th-64th overall so they upgrade that pick significantly.
Why it benefits the Canucks: They maintain the same number of draft picks this year and the downgrade in the second round compensates for the upgrade in the first round.
No need to overthink...
The Sharks have what the Canucks want. The Canucks have what the Sharks want. There is no need to over-complicate things. Just make the deal.
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