The San Jose Sharks are entering a crucial stretch as the NHL trade deadline on March 6 approaches, with general manager Mike Grier weighing options to bolster or maintain the roster. Defenseman Mario Ferraro has been linked to the Colorado Avalanche in recent rumors, while young star Macklin Celebrini eyes a record-setting contract extension. The team sits five points out of a playoff spot with 27 games remaining.
The San Jose Sharks, holding a 27-24-4 record and 58 points, are five points behind the Anaheim Ducks for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference and the Seattle Kraken for third in the Pacific Division as of late February 2026. With 27 games left, the Sharks face a pivotal decision at the March 6 trade deadline: buy, sell, or stand pat, according to general manager Mike Grier.
Coach Ryan Warsofsky emphasized focusing on the present amid uncertainties, including nine pending unrestricted free agents. "Our situation, the elephant in the room, is we do have some UFAs, and where we are in the standings, so there’s a lot of balancing that needs to be done," Warsofsky said. "But we can only control what’s in front of us and … some of the stuff is out of our control: our schedule, the travel, contract situation. We’ve just got to continue to compete, just continue to play, be grounded, and really focus on each day."
Trade rumors center on defenseman Mario Ferraro, a hard-nosed top-four player and pending UFA, who has been linked to the Colorado Avalanche. Acquiring Ferraro could address the Avalanche's need for an impactful left-shot defenseman, potentially pairing him with former Shark Brent Burns on the second line. Forward Philipp Kurashev, who has never played in the playoffs, stressed the importance of early wins: "It’s so important to start on the right foot and start winning. Because at one point, the deadline also comes, and then the tough decisions have to be made."
The Sharks boast the NHL's easiest remaining strength of schedule, with opponents at a .527 points percentage, but recent form has been poor, with four straight losses. Playoff odds range from 21% to 31%. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, fourth in NHL scoring with 81 points in 55 games, recently led Team Canada in goals at the Winter Olympics, earning silver. He is on track for a record-setting extension starting July 1, 2026, potentially increasing his $975,000 entry-level deal by $11.6 million, surpassing Connor McDavid's mark.
Five of the UFAs are defensemen, including Ferraro and John Klingberg, who has a 14-team no-trade list. The Sharks also hold a conditional first-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers, which could become valuable depending on trades.
