Close Article Return to stream X
NHL •

5 Players San Jose Sharks Should Target Before Trade Deadline

+Read full article
Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

5 Players San Jose Sharks Should Target Before Trade Deadline

San Jose Sharks
Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks are currently clinging to third place in the Pacific Division, but will need to make a move or two if they want to ensure their playoff position. The Sharks could use an infusion of energy into their lineup, and here are five players San Jose should target before the trade deadline.

5. Antoine Vermette, Arizona Coyotes

Antoine Vermette Arizona Coyotes
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

5. Antoine Vermette, Arizona Coyotes

Antoine Vermette Arizona Coyotes
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Antoine Vermette is a talented, two-way player who would be a welcome addition to the Sharks' lineup. Vermette, who will be a free agent, leads the Arizona Coyotes in scoring with 27 points (10 goals and 17 assists) and could help the Sharks at center or on the wing. He knows how to play against the teams in the Pacific Division and would help take the scoring burden off the top players for San Jose.

4. Drew Stafford, Buffalo Sabres

Drew Stafford Buffalo Sabres
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

4. Drew Stafford, Buffalo Sabres

Drew Stafford Buffalo Sabres
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Stafford would probably welcome a change of scenery after spending his entire NHL career in Buffalo. Stafford is a big body on the wing -- 6-foot-2, 214-pounds -- who would fit perfectly into the grinding style of playoff hockey. Stafford has had a down year with only six goals and 14 assists, but would flourish playing alongside some of San Jose’s talented playmakers up front.

3. Marc Methot, Ottawa Senators

Marc Methot Ottawa Senators
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

3. Marc Methot, Ottawa Senators

Marc Methot Ottawa Senators
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Methot is a big, stay-at-home defenseman who would help solidify the San Jose blue line. While Methot has battled a back injury this year, he’s returned to the lineup and would provide the Sharks with another lockdown defender behind Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose could use the defensive help, as they rank 18th in the league in goals against and were blistered by the St. Louis Blues again 7-2 for the second time in a week.

2. Keith Yandle, Arizona Coyotes

Keith Yandle Arizona Coyotes
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

2. Keith Yandle, Arizona Coyotes

Keith Yandle Arizona Coyotes
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Yandle is a talented, puck-moving defenseman who would flourish in San Jose’s up tempo attack. Yandle is second on the Arizona Coyotes in scoring with 26 points, including 17 power play points, and would greatly boost the San Jose power play, which has struggled lately. While Arizona would be reluctant to trade him within the division, the Sharks could use Yandle’s ability to join the rush and provide an offensive spark from the back end.

1. Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Eric Staal Carolina Hurricanes
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Eric Staal Carolina Hurricanes
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This would be a shocker on many levels, but would shake up the Sharks' organization. Eric Staal has been a force in the league since he was drafted second overall by Carolina in 2003. Staal would bring Stanley Cup experience and a true scoring threat -- he has 19 goals and 24 assists in 43 career playoff games. While the Sharks would give up plenty of assets, Staal would be a difference-maker at center for San Jose.

Your Favorites