Matt Johnson
The San Jose Sharks emerged from the 2026 NHL Draft having further strengthened the best farm system in hockey thanks to three first-round picks. Now that San Jose’s development pipeline is even stronger, it appears that general manager Mike Grier could use that depth to try and swing a trade to help the club immediately next season.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic the Sharks are “among the early teams” who have shown interest in acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. They are among at least 8 teams that have inquired with Columbus and LeBrun noted that the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers have “keen” interest in a deal.
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- Zach Werenski contract (PuckPedia): $9.583 million cap hit 2026-28
Upgrading at defenseman has obviously been a top priority for San Jose early this offseason. Ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the team traded the 20th overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 27th overall pick and defenseman Michael Kesselring. Next season, Kesselring is expected to be a top-four defenseman for the team barring another acquisition.
Shortly after that trade, Grier packaged winger William Eklund with forward Kasper Halttunen and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda in a deal with the Ottawa Senators to acquire the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. On draft night, San Jose snagged right-handed defenseman Keaton Verhoeff.
On Friday night, Grier traded up from the 27th overall pick to snag defenseman Ryan Lin with the 21st overall selection. In the span of a week, right-handed defensemen went from the organization’s biggest weakness to a long-term strength. With the future at the position seemingly solidified, it appears the Sharks are now focused on finding immediate help.
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- Zach Werenski stats (ESPN): 81 points (59 assists, 22 goals), 26:37 TOI/G, 94 blocks, 30 hits, 35 takeaways in 75 games played this past season
Werenski, who turns 29 in July, is the reigning James Norris Memorial Trophy winner after earning 80.25 percent of the vote with 113 first-place votes, more than twice as many as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (47). He also finished fourth in voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (21 first-place votes) and made the All-Star Team.
The left-handed defenseman could be sold at peak value by the Blue Jackets, but LeBrun’s reporting has indicated that the team wants NHL players in a deal and remains focused on being competitive next season. All things being equal, he expects Werenski to be dealt this offseason, though a specific timeline for a deal is unclear.
As of now, per PuckPedia.com, the Sharks have $43.915 million in cap space to work with this summer so the team could easily afford to take in Werenski’s contract. While he would be an immense upgrade for San Jose, it’s unclear just how seriously the front office will pursue a trade given the other suitors involved.
