The San Jose Sharks remain in the NHL rumor mill as they remain near the bottom of the standings and continue to rebuild. What's the latest on their defense?

The San Jose Sharks have been very busy in the trade market this year. Their notable moves included a blockbuster three-team deal in August that sent defenseman Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

An 11-game season-opening losing streak sent the rebuilding Sharks plummeting to the bottom of the overall standings. While their performance has improved since early November, they're likely to remain out of playoff contention this season.

In September, GM Mike Grier indicated he'd be open to moving veteran forwards Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture if either player approached him about a trade. So far, there's no indication Hertl or Couture want out of San Jose.

Grier also appears willing to move some of his defensemen. On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Sharks made it known they're willing to listen on some of their blueliners.

Mario Ferraro is the defenseman Friedman believes could draw the most interest. The 25-year-old is signed through 2025-26 with an affordable average annual value of $3.25 million. During Monday's 32 Thoughts podcast episode, Friedman said the Carolina Hurricanes were rumored to have taken a run at acquiring Ferraro.

Friedman also said he thinks the Sharks would like to move veteran Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who's been a frequent healthy scratch this season. Vlasic, who turns 37 in March, is also under contract through 2025-26 but with a $7-million annual cap hit and a three-team trade list, according to PuckPedia.

With Vlasic's best seasons now well behind him, any efforts to trade him will be hampered by his contract. The Sharks would have to retain half of his salary and include a draft pick or a prospect in the deal. Even then, it's doubtful they'll find many takers.