Could the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils be trade partners?

According to a recent report, the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils are keeping an eye on each other. Would they be good trade partners? 

The San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils are heading in opposite directions. While the former is yet again loading up for a potential Stanley Cup run, the latter is trending downwards towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

According to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic, the two sides could match up well as trade partners. The Sharks would obviously be the buyers while the Devils would be the sellers. Also, New Jersey could act as a third team to help make the salary cap figures work out since San Jose is fairly close to exceeding the cap ceiling.

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Kurz mentions several players by name – Marcus Johansson, Keith Kinkaid, and Brian Boyle – as potential fits for the Sharks. Let’s take a look at them and whether or not they’d be a fit in San Jose.

Marcus Johansson

The Sharks could squeeze in Johansson’s cap hit of $4.583 million. But most likely, they’ll ask the Devils to retain some salary, since he would be a low-cost acquisition. Johansson has struggled with the Devils, but he’s two years removed from being one of the best players on the Washington Capitals.

When healthy, he’s a good two-way player who would be a nice fit on the Sharks third line. If needed, Johansson could fill in on the second line or top line. In 66 games with the Devils over the past two seasons, he has 31 points, including 17 points this season. Johansson’s recent injuries make him a risky acquisition, but he could come at a low cost and could be a low-risk-high-reward addition.

Brian Boyle

The Sharks are looking to add some center depth (but then again, who isn’t these days?). Considering the makeup of recent Stanley Cup champions, that’s not surprising. Each champion has been deep down the middle. The Sharks are already pretty well set there, but adding another center to bolster their fourth line certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Boyle would end what can best be described as a revolving door of centers on the fourth line. He can kill penalties and by all accounts is a terrific guy in the locker room. Boyle has playoff experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Rangers. In 44 games this season, he has 18 points in 44 games, which is impressive considering he only averages 13:39 of ice time per game.

Keith Kinkaid

Kinkaid would be the cheapest of the trio to pick up. Even though the Sharks have to be encouraged by the recent improvements from Martin Jones, Aaron Dell isn’t doing much to prove himself as a reliable backup. Kinkaid is a reliable backup and could give the Sharks a cheap upgrade in net. He’s one of the cheaper goalies available, which could certainly make him an attractive addition to the Sharks.

Verdict

The Sharks and Devils match up well as trade partners. Expect the two sides to talk a lot in the next month. If something gets done, it will most likely be for either Boyle or Johansson. Kinkaid could find himself in the deal, but the question must be asked – how much of an upgrade over Dell is he? Also, even if the Sharks find themselves desperately needing a goalie, there are better options out there than Kinkaid.