The San Jose Sharks have loads of reasons to be longing for the years ahead. Mainly, the Sharks’ young stars are beginning to make an impact within the NHL. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith are two of the brightest young stars within the league. Celebrini, especially, made an impression last season. He was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the perfect rookie from the 2024-25 NHL season.
The Sharks didn’t make the playoffs in 2025. Actually, San Jose was one among the worst teams within the league. They did not have much going for them outside of Celebrini and Smith. The players who did perform were sent away on the NHL Trade Deadline. Because of this, they finished near the underside of the league.
San Jose is just not searching for a repeat performance, though. They were probably the most energetic teams this offseason, with Jeff Skinner, Dmitry Orlov, and Ryan Reaves just a few of the names to affix the team over the previous couple of months. The intent is slightly clear: the Sharks are aiming to be more competitive in 2025-26.
San Jose does have a ton of labor to do in the event that they have the desire to make the playoffs, though. At this point, the Sharks are expected to be sellers once the 2026 deadline rolls around. With this in mind, listed below are some way-too-early trade candidates for the 2025-26 campaign.
Sharks’ Mario Ferraro is not any stranger to trade rumors
The Sharks considered trading Mario Ferraro on the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Ferraro, 26, was one among the team’s best defensemen. Greater than this, he was signed for an additional season. At 26 years old, there was some room for him to grow, as well.
Understandibly, San Jose set a really high praise for the left-shot rearguard. Also understandibly, they held firm when the value wasn’t matched. Ferraro was not traded ultimately 12 months’s deadline, ending the season with the Sharks. Entering 2025-26, though, his name will once more populate the rumor mill.
Ferarro continues to be expected to play top-pairing minutes alongside Timothy Liljegren. There are some shakeups that might occur. As an example, veteran John Klingberg could play up the lineup if needed. Trade pickup Nick Leddy could move up, as well.
In any event, Ferraro must have the opportunities needed to indicate what he can do. And he could thrive on a more experienced blueline this upcoming season. If he plays well, the Sharks could draw a fairly penny for the 26-year-old on the trade market.
Jeff Skinner might be available despite signing
As mentioned, Jeff Skinner joined the Sharks this summer. He signed a one-year contract with San Jose following a less-than-stellar stint with the Edmonton Oilers. Skinner joined Connor McDavid and company hoping to assist a push for the Stanley Cup. While he did play postseason games for the primary time, he was largely a non-factor your complete season.
Things could change for the veteran winger this upcoming season, though. Skinner should receive time on the ability play, which he didn’t get in Edmonton. He also needs to receive regular time within the lineup, as well. There may be a likelihood the veteran winger can bounce back after a brutal performance last season.
That is entirely speculative, in fact. But when he does bounce back, Skinner will almost definitely turn into a trade candidate. He’s a rental player, so the trade cost can be determined by the market. Nonetheless, an excellent performance could have his name within the rumor mill leading into the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.