Both Mike Grier and David Quinn have spoken about San Jose Sharks centerman Mikael Granlund as if he will be around for next season, cooling some thoughts on a potential trade.

Both Mike Grier and David Quinn have spoken about San Jose Sharks centerman Mikael Granlund as if he will be around for next season, cooling some thoughts on a potential trade.

After the State of the Sharks event, GM Mike Grier spoke to reporters about multiple topics, including his hopes for next season. 

"I think if we go into next year [and], we add some pieces, and we have Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, Mikael Granlund, and Nico Sturm down the middle, we will feel pretty good about ourselves taking a step forward from where we are this year," Grier said. 

Granlund's name has been brought up in trade rumors this season, especially with his terrific offensive year. Granlund has 29 points in 38 games for the Sharks and has been a leader despite not having a letter on his jersey. 

"I know Granlund hasn't been here as long as those two guys, but you're talking about three really good players, great people, great examples for young players," Sharks head coach David Quinn said when asked about Hertl and Couture's leadership. "They've got intangibles. I think when you're evaluating players, you're evaluating two areas: are they part of the problem or the solution on and off the ice? They're part of the solution. All three of those guys."

With the way Quinn and Grier speak about Granlund, it sure sounds like he will be with the San Jose Sharks after the upcoming trade deadline and next season. 

"We haven't talked about that. I certainly talked to him a lot. I include him in anything that we're doing when we talk to a leadership group," Quinn said about Granlund possibly getting named as an alternate captain. "He may not have an A on his jersey, but we certainly treat him with that type of respect. [We] value his input to the players."

Granlund's career looked like it was declining when he was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the return for Erik Karlsson. His $5 million cap hit was too high to keep for the Pens, and the Sharks were the perfect team to take it on. Since coming to San Jose, Granlund has lived up to that cap hit. 

In the article above, Granlund told THN that this is the best he has felt in a few seasons. The Sharks are reaping the benefits. 

With the March 8th trade deadline rapidly approaching, don't expect Granlund to be on the move unless the San Jose Sharks get a ridiculously good deal for him.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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