On last Friday’s episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period mentioned the San Jose Sharks’ abundance of pending free agent defensemen, saying that teams will have a look. Pagnotta mentioned Mario Ferraro as the likely leading candidate, followed by Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, Nick Leddy, and finally, John Klingberg. Surprisingly, all five are pending unrestricted free agents, and it’s hard to imagine the Sharks will end the season empty handed.
San Jose GM Mike Grier has shown a willingness to wheel and deal, often bringing in overpaid veterans along with additional assets, helping them find their game and provide leadership, then promptly sending them on their way. Jake Walman, Mikael Granlund, and Cody Ceci all proved to be such examples last season, and naturally, the team figures to follow the same strategy as they move out those not in the long term plans.
The only issue is that San Jose has exceeded expectations so far, impressively just two points out of wild card range. With Macklin Celebrini playing at an elite level already, and Yaroslav Askarov finding his groove, the revival may have arrived a year or so ahead of schedule. Now, Grier must sort through his roster to determine which veterans can bring additional assets, while not hurting the overall team’s performance.
Ferraro stands out, as he has been subject to rumors for a number of years. Evident of their complete tear down, the 27-year-old is the longest tenured Shark, breaking into the league when Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Brent Burns still rocked the teal. Ferraro faced the brunt of the Sharks’ darkest days in the last few seasons, with statistics which weren’t pretty. This year he has just seven points in 36 games, but plays more of a shutdown role. As fellow lefty Sam Dickinson establishes himself as a major part of the future, Ferraro and his reasonable $3.25MM cap hit is likely expendable, even if San Jose remains in the hunt.
Klingberg and Leddy, both stars in the mid 2010s, have $4MM cap hits and trade protection alike. Klingberg has enjoyed a resurgence as a Shark. In recent years he faced major injuries and lack of NHL interest. The end appeared near, but after signing with the Sharks, he’s turned back the clock, playing heavy top pair minutes and notching 15 points in 27 games. If San Jose were still dropping 50+ games in a season, dealing the veteran would be a no-brainer, but as such a great fit, it may take a strong offer, if Klingberg is even willing to waive his NMC. If Grier is willing to utilize his last salary retention spot on Klingberg, the longtime Dallas Star becomes an especially interesting asset.
Meanwhile, Leddy has not had the same success, and it appears perhaps father time has caught up to the 34-year-old who relies on mobility. Leddy has dealt with injuries this season, able to play in 14 games, tallying three assists. Given his contract, a move would be difficult. Leddy may finish the season as a Shark for better or worse, but the Stanley Cup Champion surely is fully aware of his role at this point, and embracing it.
Liljegren and Desharnais may both have a more limited market, but they are coveted right handed shots. A former top prospect of Toronto, Liljegren is still just 26. However, with four points in 28 games, his $3MM cap hit wouldn’t be easy to move, relative to production. The Leafs fetched a third round pick for his services in 2024, and it is hard to imagine he’d bring more now. Desharnais, on the other hand, is slightly more affordable and brings the size teams salivate over at the deadline. Acquired by San Jose for just a fifth-round pick, Grier would probably come out ahead in any deal.
Although they are likely in no rush, due to their success, San Jose has a unique opportunity to come out next season with an entirely new defense core. From their longest tenured player in Ferraro, to a former star who unexpectedly has found new life in Klingberg, any contender could choose from Grier’s well stocked shelves of rental defensemen this spring.