San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson is being floated heavily in NHL trade rumors this summer as Stanley Cup contenders eye an opportunity to add the reigning Norris Trophy winner from a rebuilding team. However, he’s not the only player in San Jose teams are interested in.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported before the 2023 NHL Draft that he heard talk around the NHL that multiple teams have talked to San Jose about Couture. However, no deal was imminent and moving Karlsson was the first priority.
- Logan Couture stats (2022-’23): 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists, -30 plus/minus
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San Jose has been eyed as a potential threat for a firesale, with Karlsson, Couture and Tomas Hertl all potential trade candidates that multiple teams around the league want. While there might be significant interest around the league, it appears San Jose isn’t tearing its roster down.
Addressing reporters after the 2023 NHL Draft, Sharks’ general manager Mike Grier indicated he’s not interested in trading Couture.
“Logan’s everything I’m looking for and the organization is looking for in a player and person,” Grier said. He did a great job leading the group last year. I know it wasn’t easy for him.”
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier on Logan Couture trade rumors (H/T The Mercury News)
- Logan Couture contract: $8M cap hit (2023-’26), 3-team trade list
However, Couture’s future in San Jose has been an open question since the offseason began. Selected ninth overall by the Sharks in the 2007 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-1 center has been a standout for many years. However, he turns 34 years old in March and he’s unlikely to be an important piece of the Sharks’ core whenever they return to playoff contention.
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Pagnotta specifically noted the Nashville Predators as a team to watch, with the club exploring options with more than $20 million n cap space and a need for a high-end center. Over the last six seasons, Couture has totaled 376 points in 496 games.
San Jose is projected to be one of the worst NHL teams next season and Couture’s trade value will dip as he ages. At least for now, though, the Sharks’ front office is focused on sorting through trade partners for Karlsson – Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken are reportedly in the mix – before it seriously considers dealing Couture.
If he remains on the roster heading into next season, Couture will be one of the most discussed candidates for the 2024 NHL trade deadline. Considering the direction the Sharks are headed and Grier’s own comments about how challenging last season was for Couture, a trade is likely in everyone’s best interests.