Could the San Jose Sharks trade for Darcy Kuemper?
The San Jose Sharks had an abysmal 2019-20 season. After losing to the St. Louis Blues in the 2019 Western Conference Final and losing Joe Pavelski, among others, in free agency, the Sharks took a huge step backward. They failed to make the expanded postseason, marking the first time since the 2014-15 season they failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
General Manager Doug Wilson is never shy to pull the trigger on a big move. His trademark bold moves have defined his time with the Sharks. Wilson isn’t losing his touch because according to Elliotte Friedman, the Sharks are among the teams who have expressed interest in trading for Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
Here’s what Friedman had to say in his latest 31 Thoughts column.
"Calgary, Carolina, Chicago, Edmonton and San Jose are among the teams who have asked about Darcy Kuemper."
Kuemper is someone the Sharks know well, as he has been with the Coyotes for the past two and a half seasons. He also spent 19 games with the Los Angeles Kings in 2017-18 before being traded to the Coyotes.
The Sharks currently have Martin Jones locked up for the next four years with a $5.75 million cap hit. However, the underachieving Jones has not come close to living up to his contract. After posting a .915% save percentage during the 2017-18 season, Jones has seen his save percentage drop significantly to .896% in each of the past two seasons.
A buyout is possible, though it would be rather expensive. Here’s what the Sharks would save each season.
- 2020-21: $2.875 million
- 2021-22: $3.875 million
- 2022-23: $3.357 million
- 2023-24: $2.875 million
After the 2023-24 season, it would cost them $1,625,000 each season through the 2027-28 season.
Kuemper is currently signed for two more seasons with a $4.5 million annual cap hit. It sure is interesting that they’re interested in him. Maybe this means the Sharks are fully ready to move on from Jones. The Sharks probably have the resources to get this trade done, as they have a 2020 first-round pick and their own 2021 first rounder as well.
San Jose has been active in trade talks throughout the postseason. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them pull off a big move. Wilson is never shy to make those moves either, so this should be a very fun offseason for the Sharks.