This looks very decade-of-darkness Edmonton Oilers. Moving Hertl was very risky in terms of prospect development for the Sharks. Signing Monahan, Duchene, Pavelski, Stephenson, or offer-sheeting Lundell almost needs to happen for the Sharks just to take some of the heat off of Celebrini. Best-case-scenario he's going to be similar to year-one Eichel, but doesn't have the luxury of a O'Reilly type to insulate him. Worst-case he's year-one Jack Hughes without the promise of righting the ship behind the likes of Hischier.

Thoughts on Ceci for Knyzhov and the Pittsburgh 5th? Would be a good partner for Mukhamadullin.

Yeah I agree the Sharks needs some cushion. But Granlund and Sasha may be utilized in that role (I have him at 3rd and Sasha at 2nd). Grier may give the top two Center rolls to them if they can’t get someone they want. And have Celebrini start 3rd line TOI but get used in OZones and PP1.

I prefer Pavelski and or “Stamkos” if he decides to leave and would sign a 3 year deal in San Jose. Need a real leader to right the ship. Imo this is more important than “cushion” for the players. I don’t personally know if Duchene or Stephenson fit that bill, and same with Sean Mon. Lundell also doesn’t fit that bill at all.

They have money to spend but Grier said he won’t be spending for the sake of spending or any long term deals.

I personally ponder the route of Pavs or Stammer the most because both aren’t 0% chances.


Pavelski,
A) wins a cup and will retire
B) wins a cup and goes anywhere (Dallas or anywhere with the bag)
C) doesn’t win a cup and resigns in Dallas
D) doesn’t win a cup and resigns with a contender
E) doesn’t win a cup and resigns with anyone
F) doesn’t win a cup and retires

I think option B is the only route for Cap to return to San Jose. And that’s a 10% imo (Dallas to win the cup AND sign a 7.5m x 2 with San Jose).

Stamkos,

A) Doesn’t win a cup and goes to highest bid
B) doesn’t win a cup and resigns in TB
C) wins a cup and retires
D) wins a cup and resigns in Tampa
e) wins a cup and resigns to the highest bid
F) doesn’t win a cup and retires

I think Stammer is an absolutely brilliant idea for Grier. And he’s got more opportunities to sign in SJS. Stamkos has won cups and seems like a guy who would enjoy building a team as much as staying in Tampa. He obviously doesn’t want the Sharks to win 15 games so he would have to receive a good pitch from SJ. But he’s got cups and accolades and San Jose can afford a

9m x 3 years
8.5m x 3 years
7m x 4 years (max term imo)
10m x 2 years

I haven’t checked what Tampa can afford realistically (I’ll just guess). But if Grier offered him 10m x 2 (20mil) or 9x3 (27mil) that blows away Tampas max imo 7.5 x 3 or 2

I think Stamkos (if Grier throws the bank at him, with no term being the only wrinkle (max 2-4 years) - has like a 30% maybe of being a Shark.

EDM could get Knyzhov for free.

Personally I don’t think Ceci is a good partner for Shak. Emberson, but more likely (I’d say it’s 70% chance) Rutta are perfect partners for him.

Shakirs ceiling looks like a PP, PK amazing middle pair guy. Serviceable top pair, potentially a #3 / MAYBE A if he explodes a #2.

But he needs a partner to cook with and I think Rutta or Emberson are better suited. Both will let Muk flourish and Rutta speaks his language as well and seems like a great leader the Sharks are going to keep around.

My mouth is watering