NHL Trade Rumors: Predictions For the San Jose Sharks' Before the Trade Deadline

With so many rumors headed San Jose's way this past week, it is important to understand the logistics of the Sharks' trading situation and what the odds are that GM Doug Wilson comes through in the clutch and solidifies this team for a playoff push.

This weekend can go two ways for the San Jose Sharks.  Wilson can make a change on the top two lines
that will affect this team for years to come, or he can make minor moves and pray his team is good enough to not only make the playoffs, but try and surpass that dreaded Western Conference Final this franchise can never seem to overcome.

When it comes down to it, these last few days before Monday's NHL Trade Deadline could alter how this team fairs for the next several years, especially in the potential Rick Nash deal from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Wilson knows this team and the potential they have, which is why this weekend may hit a lower key than originally perceived.




Rick Nash Will Not Be Traded To the San Jose Sharks

They are simply asking for too much here.

The original reported offer the Blue Jackets made was for Logan Couture and a package of draft picks and minor players to be sent to Columbus for Rick Nash.  The ideal situation was for Nash to come into San Jose and play with his Team Canada running-mate Joe Thornton on the top line.

After that offer was scoffed at, I'm sure, by Wilson, the obvious alternative to Couture was Joe Pavelski.  However, his career year would be dearly missed, as would the growing chemistry between Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Pavelski.

What's left?

Nothing.

The Blue Jackets can find a better deal somewhere else if they are that adamant about trading Nash.  Preferably to the Eastern Conference.




The San Jose Sharks Will Make Smaller Deals

With Nash off the market by Sunday, the Sharks will look for smaller moves with just as much significance to this team.  They already picked up Dominic Moore from the Lightning, and adding a hard-nosed defensive winger to help solidify the third and fourth lines would be the knowledgable thing to do.

Enter Travis Moen or Ales Hemsky, who may not carry the same star power that Nash does, but they are exactly what San Jose needs at this point in the season.

The idea is simple.  The Sharks are beat up with Martin Havlat recovering, Douglas Murray due to return next week and a whole bunch of other minor injuries I cannot keep track of anymore.

The Sharks will get healthy.  It will just take until late-March to accomplish that.  Adding Moen or Hemsky could play-out very nicely once everyone returns.



Torrey Mitchell Will Be Traded

If the Sharks are to make a significant move this weekend before Monday's trade deadline, it will take some good draft picks and a few players to make it work.  Mitchell's name would seem obvious to throw out there since his trade market value would likely be higher than the value he adds to the Sharks right now.

Mitchell has five goals and nine assists this season.

We may have gotten some insight into Wilson's mindset for the trade deadline with his acquisition of Dominic Moore.  Moore will play anywhere from centre on the fourth line to winger on the third line.  Also, expect him to take some stabs at the penalty kill once in awhile.

With Moore, Wilson has a third or fourth line winger potentially to play with, and Mitchell or Jamie McGinn seem to fit that mold.  McGinn has played terrific this season and Mitchell continues to stand pat.

If there is one starter we could see switching teams, it could be Mitchell.