Potential NHL Trade Candidates
Nov 16, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; San Jose Sharks forward
Joe Thornton(19) before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Candidate: Joe Thornton
We may as well start with a big fish. “Jumbo” Joe is still getting it done for the San Jose Sharks even at age 35. His 21 points through 25 games leads the club, and he’s still one of the best passers in the game. But at 35, there’s no question his best days are behind him and it’s time for the Sharks to begin considering life post-Thornton.
The Sharks have been wildly successful in the regular season during Thornton’s tenure, but a Stanley Cup appearance has eluded them. While not entirely his fault, the stigma attached to Thornton’s post-season struggles is there. It’s amazing to think that this conversation is even happening after the Sharks raced out to a 3-0 series lead against the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round of the playoffs last year before losing four straight. But here we are.
Currently the Sharks sit fifth in the Pacific Division with 26 points. They are only two points back of the last wild card spot, so by no means is all hope lost for them this season. However the organization must look itself in the mirror and ask if the current group is good enough to contend for a title. And if they’re honest with themselves, the answer will be “no.”
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By most prospect sites’ estimations, the Sharks’ farm system is in the bottom-third of the league which is no black mark against a franchise perenially picking late in the first round. However the time is now to start replenishing the system and moving Thornton is a perfect chip to pick up a number of assets. He carries a $6,750,000 cap hit but is signed through 2016/17. He does possess a no-movement clause so it’s not as simple for the Sharks as finding a willing trade partner which will make things more difficult.
Despite that, teams like the Nashville Predators, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Rangers should be lining up to see what the cost would be for his services. This writer’s guess: a first round draft pick, a top organization prospect, and at least one other asset of note.