San Jose Sharks forwards Anthony Duclair and Mikael Granlund have played very well since returning from the All-Star break, which has only increased their trade value.
San Jose Sharks forwards Anthony Duclair and Mikael Granlund have played very well since returning from the All-Star break, which has only increased their trade value.
San Jose Sharks forwards Anthony Duclair and Mikael Granlund have played very well since returning from the All-Star break, which has only increased their trade value.
Duclair played his best game as a Shark last night, finishing with two goals and adding one assist. There has been a clear increase in speed and effectiveness in his game.
Although he is over one year removed from his torn Achilles, Duclair told the media last night that it is not something that "goes away."
"I feel great. Day by day, [I] keep feeling better and better. It's not an injury that just goes away," Duclair said. "I still gotta make sure that it's always loose and ready to go [for] practices, games, and whatnot. It was tough, but I'm feeling way better. I feel 100%."
Duclair has been a terrific mentor to many of the young players on the roster, something that will be missed if he gets traded.
While he has started to find his rhythm in San Jose, with four goals in the last five games, it is also coming at a perfect time for GM Mike Grier to show him off. His style of play and effectiveness could be better used for a contending team like the New York Rangers, who desperately need another scoring winger. A dark horse team like the New York Islanders could also be in the mix.
Mikael Granlund has been the Sharks most consistent player all season. Granlund has 35 points (7 goals, 28 assists) in 45 games. The team speaks highly of him and would love to keep him, but his trade value is arguably the highest of any other player on the roster.
Granlund has five points in his last five games, including a three-assist night against the Anaheim Ducks.
Granlund has dealt with minor injuries throughout the season, but those seem past him. His $5 million cap hit runs through next season, and while the Sharks have no problem keeping him, the extra year could bring in a better package in return.
"Teams have kept a close eye on Granlund, who hasn't played since Jan. 16 with an injury, but is skating and nearing a return. GM Mike Grier has spoken highly of Granlund since arriving from Pittsburgh as a cast-off in the Erik Karlsson trade. He really struggled with the Pens after being traded for a second-round pick last year, collecting just five points in 21 contests. Granlund looked a lot more like himself this year, netting 16 in his first 20 games as a Shark, and had eight even-strength points in one week in December. The Sharks only have one salary retention slot left, and they're comfortable keeping him, but Granlund might bring the best trade return on their roster," Daily Faceoff writes.
Granlund is a smart player who brings leadership and experience to a locker room. Due to the Sharks' injuries of Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl, Granlund has earned himself a letter on his jersey.
The deadline is one week from today, and the Sharks could be one of the busiest teams on Mar. 8.
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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