The San Jose Sharks are in a rebuilding phase, and with their blueline ranked near the bottom of the league, they need to strengthen their defense. Six potential trade targets have been identified by Sheng Peng of NBC Sports, and here's a breakdown of each:
Dougie Hamilton (New Jersey Devils): The Sharks lack a true No. 1 defenseman, and Hamilton has the potential to fill that role. While his status as a top defenseman is debatable currently, the Sharks showed interest last summer. However, he's not on their 10-team trade list, so acquiring him might require a strategic approach.
Justin Faulk (St. Louis Blues): Faulk, a right-shot defenseman, could be a stopgap measure for the Sharks. At 34, he's a veteran, and the Blues are demanding high prices for their trade candidates. Faulk's age and the Blues' demands make him a potential short-term solution.
Braden Schneider (NY Rangers): With a 24-year-old timeline, Schneider is a former first-round pick who's had a poor season. Some scouts believe he has top-four potential, and a change of scenery could benefit him.
Zach Whitecloud (Calgary Flames): Whitecloud, a veteran shutdown defenseman, has been a steady presence in Calgary's top-four minutes. His low cap hit of $2.75 million for the next two seasons makes him a cost-effective option for the Sharks.
Mason Lohrei (Boston Bruins): Lohrei, a 25-year-old, has seen reduced ice time and even healthy scratches this season. A change of scenery could be beneficial for him, and he fits the Sharks' timeline.
Logan Stanley (Winnipeg Jets): Stanley, a big blueliner with a powerful shot, is having a breakout year. However, the Jets' decision to re-sign him as a pending UFA is uncertain, and his age of 27 raises questions about the longevity of his current performance.
