Sharks Trade for Leon Gawanke from the Jets

The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Leon Gawanke in exchange for Artemi Kniazev.

The San Jose Sharks announced they acquired defense prospect Leon Gawanke from the Winnipeg Jets and sent Artemi Kniazev in return.

Gawanke spent all of last season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. He recorded 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 2022-23. Gawanke led all Moose defensemen in goals and points and ranked third in assists. He led all AHL defensemen in power-play goals (seven), co-led in goals, and his point total was tied-ninth most.

Gawanke is a pending RFA and has yet to make his NHL debut. With an Erik Karlsson trade on the horizon, the Sharks will be looking for replacements for the offense they will be losing.

According to San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng, Gawanke will sign a contract with the Sharks.

"The German defenseman has signed a contract with DEL side Adler Mannheim, but according to agent Claude Lemieux, Gawanke can get out of that contract for an NHL deal by Jul. 15," Peng wrote. "He is signing with the Sharks," Lemieux said via text."

Kniazev was a second-round pick in 2019 for the San Jose Sharks. He has made one appearance in the NHL, recording two shots on goal in 11:59 TOI.

The Russian defenseman has had 28 points in his two seasons in the AHL. The most significant difference in his play is his defense. In 21-22, Kniazev finished a woeful -47, compared to the +5 in 22-23.

Gawanke will fight for a spot on the roster come training camp this season.