The San Jose Sharks traded for Anthony Duclair in exchange for Steven Lorentz and a draft pick.
The San Jose Sharks finished the first day of free agency with a trade for Florida Panthers forward Anthony Duclair.
In exchange for the forward, the Sharks sent Steven Lorentz and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Duclair will turn 28 in August and has been able to score goals at a good rate in the NHL. During the 2021-22 season, he scored 31 goals in 74 games.
"Anthony will bring speed and tenacity to our lineup on a nightly basis," GM Mike Grier said about acquiring Duclair. "He has a well-rounded game along with the ability to score, and we are excited to have him join our organization."
When Grier met with the media yesterday, he revealed that a trade for Duclair was discussed at the trade deadline but that it really came together recently.
"[It came together] over the last couple of days. We actually talked about him a little bit at the deadline," Grier said. He's a player that I think brings a little bit of a different element that we don't have here on the roster with his speed and goalscoring ability and the way pace of play."
Grier expects Duclair to be in the top-six forward group next season.
"I mean, he's someone who's scored pretty consistently in the last few years of his career. He's shown that he can play with pace and play with good players and produce. I would say he's gonna have every opportunity to be in a top six," Grier said.
Lorentz was acquired as a part of the deal that sent Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes.
In one season with San Jose, Lorentz had a career-high 19 points (10 goals, nine assists).
Primarily used as a bottom-six center, Lorentz's speed and defensive ability were vital for head coach David Quinn.
This trade could also open up a roster spot in the middle for someone like Thomas Bordeleau.
Bordeleau played wing once he was called up to the NHL last season and struggled mightily.
The San Jose Sharks have needed a goalscorer, and Duclair for Lorentz is terrific asset management to acquire a guy who can score consistently, hopefully.