The San Jose Sharks took a patient approach to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, as GM Mike Grier told reporters his focus remained on the future.<\/p>\n
While the main focus is on the future, Grier also wanted to reward the current roster so they can see out the remainder of their strong season. As stated in January<\/a>, Grier reaffirmed that he is okay with letting some pending UFAs walk in the Summer.<\/p>\n \u201cThey just scrapped and battled their way all season long. Even the last few games they\u2019ve played well and got themselves back in the mix,\u201d Grier said. \u201cWe felt like it was the best thing to do for them, in all fairness to them, to keep the group together and see how the rest of the season goes.\u201d<\/p>\n Grier made one move on Trade Deadline day, sending Timothy Liljegren<\/a> to the Washington Capitals<\/a>. <\/p>\n The San Jose Sharks GM confirmed that he received calls and offers for veterans Mario Ferraro<\/a> and John Klingberg<\/a>, but nothing truly came close to what they wanted.<\/p>\n Grier also mentioned that the Sharks were in on a few things during the week leading up to the deadline, but never confirmed anything more than a check-in.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were in on a few things throughout the week. But I wasn\u2019t really in the rental market. We were more poking around and involved in things players that had some term,\u201d Grier said. \u201cWe weren\u2019t able to get some of the guys that we were interested in and made some offers on. That\u2019s often the case this time of year. Prices are high. <\/p>\n Like I\u2019ve always said, it\u2019s an eye on the future, as well as balancing that out between the future and the here and now. I\u2019ve got to decide how far you\u2019re willing to go, and what type of assets you\u2019re willing to give up.\u201d<\/p>\n Grier did confirm that they were willing to use the Edmonton Oilers 2026 first-round pick as part of negotiations.<\/p>\n The Sharks and Simon Nemec<\/p>\n Rumors of the San Jose Sharks being interested in New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec popped up<\/a> after the official deadline had passed. A report suggested that the Sharks even offered William Eklund<\/a> as part of a trade to acquire Nemec.<\/p>\n The San Jose Sharks dangled William Eklund to try and get Simon Nemec, but the New Jersey Devils said no in the end.<\/p>\n \u2014 Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) March 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n When asked about how far down the line the Sharks got with the Devils, Grier pushed back on the seriousness of the negotiations.<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t really, I think that was more kind of, I don\u2019t know, Twitter stuff or whatever, it is,\u201d Grier said. \u201cIt\u2019s somewhere you call and see if someone is available, and then see what the asking price is. That was really about the extent of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Grier went on to clarify that the conversation with the Devils was more of a check-in on the player.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know this time of year, or actually, any time of year, like I said, when, if there\u2019s a player that we like and think he can help our group and becomes available, then I\u2019m gonna make a call and check in. See what\u2019s going on,\u201d Grier said. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s the player isn\u2019t available, and then other times, he may be, but may have a high price that doesn\u2019t fit with us. Other times, you call, and you have a chance to try and work something out.\u201d<\/p>\n Eklund signed a three-year extension over the Summer, and is widely seen as one of the first core pieces of the San Jose Sharks rebuild.<\/p>\n With Liljegren out of the fold, the Sharks have young defense prospect options available for a potential recall in Nolan Allan<\/a> and Luca Cagnoni<\/a>. Nick Leddy also remains a veteran option.<\/p>\n