The San Jose Sharks are actively revamping their defensive lineup, with General Manager Mike Grier making significant moves to enhance the team’s roster. This week, the Sharks signed veteran defenseman John Klingberg to a one-year contract worth $4 million and Dmitry Orlov for two years at $13 million. Additionally, they claimed Nick Leddy off waivers, who carries a cap hit of $4 million. These transactions not only strengthen their defense but also help the Sharks surpass the NHL’s salary cap floor, which includes Logan Couture’s $8 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
Despite these acquisitions, Grier is not stopping there. Reports indicate that the Sharks were interested in Nic Hague before he was traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Nashville Predators. Furthermore, the Sharks have displayed keen interest in Bowen Byram, a restricted free agent, joining several other teams in pursuit, including the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and St. Louis Blues, with the latter being particularly aggressive in their attempts to secure him.
As the Buffalo Sabres’ GM Kevyn Adams navigates potential trades, he is reportedly leaning towards acquiring NHL-ready talent rather than future prospects, especially if a deal for Byram materializes. Byram is seeking a substantial long-term contract, potentially in the vicinity of $9 million annually.
These strategic moves reflect the Sharks’ commitment to building a competitive team and demonstrate their proactive approach in the current free agency climate. Fans can remain optimistic about the direction in which the team is headed as they continue to seek out opportunities for improvement.