Mike Grier's patience was displayed as he navigated a tough decision for the San Jose Sharks.
The San Jose Sharks traded Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, and GM Mike Grier navigated the trade with great patience.
The three-time Norris Trophy winner was traded to the Pens with 13% of his contract retained by San Jose. That equates to $1.5 million a year for the next four years.
"There were a lot of teams asking us to retain a lot of salary," Grier said on Sunday. "It was something we really didn't want to do."
The biggest thing Grier stressed throughout the Zoom call was that the San Jose Sharks were not looking to retain a lot of salary in the trade of EK65.
"Kyle [Dubas] was aggressive, but I think he was really willing to make some concessions on his stand to make this whole thing work," Grier explained. "I think both sides made concessions on not only the retention number but the package, in general, to get the deal done."
Grier stressed that financial flexibility in the future was at the forefront. Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, and Jan Rutta aren't signed after the 24-25 season.
"It's important for us to be able to have the flexibility to go out and acquire players in either in free agency or through trades, whenever these situations pop up, where there's a good player available," Grier said. "We'll be at the point where we'll have the resources both with the money and assets to maybe get involved to try [and] acquire those types of players."
Getting more draft capital in next year's NHL Draft was the main appeal to Grier.
"Having the possibility of two first [round picks] in this draft and having four picks in the first two rounds is something that we were looking to do and was really appealing to us," Grier said.
Granlund, Hoffman, Rutta, and the new addition of Anthony Duclair could take up some spots for some of the San Jose Sharks prospects. Grier told reporters he was trying to build internal competition and continue to build a culture of competitiveness
"We do have guys on one-way contracts. But these guys are gonna have to earn their spots, and for the young players, I expect them to come in hungry and ready, and if they perform and outplay veteran guys, then they'll get the opportunity, and we'll figure the rest out for sure," Grier explained.
"I don't want to block anyone's pathway."
Players like William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau must earn their spots on the NHL roster, which could benefit their development—bringing in competition to bring out the best in these top prospects.
Most of the veteran players brought in could also be flipped at the trade deadline for more assets.
Mike Grier handled the San Jose Sharks trade of Erik Karlsson with great patience. The Sharks made out well for their future cap flexibility. Their main goal of being able to go after critical assets when the team is competitive again.