The San Jose Sharks find themselves in an interesting spot this off-season. They’re still deep into a rebuild, but this summer presents an opportunity to push that rebuild along a little faster. While GM Mike Grier seems to want the rebuild to happen somewhat naturally, you can bet he’ll be adding some fresh faces to the roster. With around $53 million in cap space, the Sharks need to at least hit the salary cap floor, but if they decide to spend more, it will likely translate into a better product on the ice.
This year’s free agent class has some pretty big names. You’ve got Toronto Maple Leafs stars Mitch Marner and John Tavares leading the pack, along with Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers, and Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser, all potentially available unless they sign extensions before free agency opens.
For the Sharks, if they want to make a splash this summer, they have to build around their young core. Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and company showed flashes last season, but ultimately, the team didn’t have much success. That rough season, however, gave San Jose the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, which could be huge for their future. That could also help land a few players on the open market. So with that, here are a few names worth keeping an eye on.
Mitch Marner – Toronto Maple Leafs
Mitch Marner’s name is going to come up no matter what, and for good reason. He’s the top player available this off-season, and while Toronto has been his home for years, it feels like both sides might be ready for something new. San Jose fits the bill as a place where he can step into a leading role without the intense spotlight of a market like Toronto. Plus, if you add in his connection to Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, who will likely try to convince him to join the organization, the fit makes a ton of sense.
Put Marner on a line with Celebrini and Smith, and suddenly that rebuild looks a lot more dangerous. In terms of the asking price rumors say he’s asking for $13 million-plus over seven years. San Jose has the cap space to make it work. Yes, it’s a big commitment, but if the Sharks don’t have is a legit 90- to 100-point player who can raise the level of everyone around him. Which is exactly why adding Marner would make a ton of sense.
Mikael Granlund – San Jose Sharks
Bringing Granlund back to San Jose, is the kind of signing that adds real value to a young, evolving team. Before the Sharks traded him at the 2025 deadline, Granlund quietly did a lot of the heavy lifting — taking on tough minutes, playing all over the lineup, and bringing a much-needed level of composure.
For a group still finding its footing, that kind of steady presence is huge. Granlund can settle things down, help on special teams, and give Celebrini and Smith the space to play their game without having to carry the whole team. He’s versatile, smart, and reliable — exactly what San Jose needs during this rebuild. Plus, familiarity matters. If things stay the same, the Sharks could work out a trade for Granlund again by the 2026 deadline, which might interest him.
Jeff Skinner – Edmonton Oilers
Jeff Skinner isn’t the long-term answer San Jose needs, but in the short term, he could be exactly what they’re missing. After being bought out by Buffalo following a 24-goal season, Skinner found some success with the Edmonton Oilers — 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points in 72 games. At 33, he still has top-six skill, knows how to find soft spots in the offensive zone, and can finish when the puck gets to him.
For the Sharks, that’s appealing. Their young playmakers like Celebrini and Smith can create chances; what they need are wingers who can bury those chances. Skinner might not drive the play or even make the top line, but give him some structure and let him focus on offense, and there’s a 20+ goal season waiting to happen. Signing Skinner would be a low-risk, short-term move with clear upside. If the price is right, San Jose should consider signing him.
There are plenty of other names the Sharks could target. Players like Pius Suter, Brock Boeser, or even a reunion with Brent Burns. Grier will be active in free agency, no doubt, looking to add experience that can support the growing young core in San Jose. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure the young players aren’t carrying the whole load on their own. Bringing in the right veterans in the room can make all the difference in keeping the rebuild on track.
