Matt Johnson
The San Jose Sharks entered the offseason with the most cap space in hockey, and general manager Mike Grier quickly splurged heavily in NHL free agency. While the club’s moves could help them make the playoffs next season, they did draw some mixed reviews.
The Athletic‘s Eric Stephens gave the Sharks a B for their additions in NHL free agency, praising the additions of winger Mason Marchment but knocking the contract given to defenseman Jacob Trouba.
“Mason Marchment can be a nuisance with some scoring touch, so the Sharks add some grit to balance out all their playmaking skill on their loaded top three lines. And they addressed some obvious needs on defense with Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse…Those two will help now, but those contracts might age poorly. But with the battle-tested duo and Michael Kesselring, San Jose should ice an improved blue line.”
Eric Stephens on the San Jose Sharks’ additions in HL free agency
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- Jacob Trouba contract (PuckPedia): $8.25 million AAV cap hit (2026-2030)
San Jose received plenty of criticism from analysts for what many viewed as an overpay for Trouba. While the 32-year-old defenseman provides a significant upgrade for the club on the blueline, his four-year deal worth $8.25 million per season ranks seventh among all defensemen right now. Critics also took issue with the length of the contract, as Trouba has already shown signs of aging and the deal carries into the 2029-30 season.
However, there is some slight context required with that deal. Because of how the contract is structured, Trouba will earn $11 million in salary for the upcoming season with another $8.8 million coming the following year. After two seasons, it would be much easier for San Jose to move off the deal when Trouba is 34 years old and owed just $13.2 million total over the final two seasons.
Related: Why Jacob Trouba Chose Sharks Over Similar Offers
Grier hasn’t faced quite as much skepticism for the Marchment signing. Ahead of his age-31 season, the 6-foot-5 left winger provides San Jose with the physicality and size that it lacked on the second line this season. He also fills the scoring void created by the William Eklund trade, which allowed the Sharks to land Keaton Verhoeff in the 2026 NHL Draft.
While the Sharks’ offseason moves in NHL free agency and the trade market might not earn them universal praise, their roster is better heading into the summer. At a time when the Anaheim Ducks are dealing with significant uncertainty, it could help San Jose punch its ticket back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Read More: Sharks Earn Stellar 2026 NHL Draft Grades
