Hockey

The Sharks would be more open to trading their first-round pick this summer
Michaël Petit
The Sharks would be more open to trading their first-round pick this summer
Credit: Getty Images

When a team finishes at the bottom of the overall standings, it's generally expected that they will use their high draft pick to improve the team's future core.

On very rare occasions, a top-3 pick, especially the first overall pick, is traded before the pick is made.

According to Mike Grier, the San Jose Sharks' general manager, he would be willing to part with the possible first overall pick in the 2025 draft.

The San Jose Sharks finished their 2024-25 season with 52 poor points in the overall standings, placing the California team last.

Ryan Warsofsky's team therefore has the best chance of getting the first overall pick, but if they win the lottery, Grier would be more open to parting with it.

I like the idea, as the Sharks need everything and they would have the chance to get some prospects/young established players/picks in return.

They already have three excellent young forwards in Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund. Let's not forget Quentin Musty, who had another excellent season in the OHL.

On defense, that's where it gets a little weaker.

Sam Dickinson will likely be the Sharks' defensive pillar, but after that, apart from the small defenseman (5 feet, 9 inches) Luca Cagnoni who is very offensive, it's a bit weak.

With Matthew Schafer available in the next draft, he should be Grier's number one target.

Unfortunately for Grier, Schafer has only played 17 games, which will certainly affect his ranking.

Some people saw him finishing first in the draft at the start of the season, he was that good.

With the exceptional season of Michael Misa and James Hagens who dominated his rookie season in the NCAA, Schaefer could possibly drop to third, or even further.

If the Sharks win the lottery, Grier could take the risk of dropping a rank or two to try to get a prospect or an extra pick to fill the prospect pool.

Or, a first overall pick could very well bring in some good assets, such as young players near the NHL level and/or two first-round picks further down the line.

Grier has many options and will have several calls to make in this case.


Overtime

– It would make sense.

– Alex Ovechkin is really in a class of his own.

– Worth reading.

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