The San Jose Sharks are reportedly shopping forwards Kevin Labanc and Dylan Gambrell, as well as defenseman Radim Simek, according to The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz.
The Sharks would reportedly be looking for roster players in exchange but could also opt for draft picks in return.
Labanc is 25 years old and scored 12 goals and 28 points in 55 games, a pace of 18 goals and 42 points in 82 games, while Gambrell, who’s 24 years old, scored five goals and 12 points per 49 games, a pace of eight goals and 20 points per 82. Simek had two goals and six points in 40 games, while averaging 14:13 per game.
Labanc and Simek each have three years remaining on their contract, at $4.73 million and $2.25 million respectively, while Gambrell is a restricted free agent.
ANALYSIS
I like the idea of the Sharks trying to offload some salary and move on from Labanc and Simek. Labanc never bounced back to his 2018-19 form, while Simek really isn’t worth the money he’s getting. Plus with Gambrell, there’s a decent chance the Sharks could lose him in the expansion draft anyways.
The idea of taking back roster players to me, however, is less appealing. The Sharks probably aren’t going to get back a quality roster player in a swap for any of them and getting back future assets, while clearing cap space, is the better long-term move.
That said, I’d be surprised if Labanc brought a great return. He doesn’t bring enough value for his contract and if the Sharks don’t retain salary, they may not get more than a draft pick in return.
With Simek, I’d be pretty surprised to see someone willing to give up any assets for him. The reality is that teams will be able to find players who are equally effective at a much lower cap hit.
Gambrell is interesting but he’s turning 25 years old this summer and he has yet to really become an impactful player in the NHL. He’s shown flashes at times but again, I don’t think teams would be willing to give up much for him.
So while it’s good that the Sharks are willing to make some moves, it's unlikely that any of the players available would bring back a good return.
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Which player do you think is the least likely to be traded?
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