The San Jose Sharks took a notable trade target off the market on Sunday. The club announced the contract extension for one of its impending UFAs.
The impending UFA in question is Alexander Wennberg. Wennberg has had a string of great days recently. First, he got the nod for Sweden’s 2026 Olympic team. Now, the 31-year-old signed a three-year, $18 million extension with the Sharks, PuckPedia showed.
The deal comes on the heels of numerous trade rumors. According to chatter, the Sharks have been shopping just about every player on their roster. In particular, Wennberg got a significant amount of attention due to the number of injuries across the league.
Teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Rangers have looked into Wennberg, per rumors. The Sharks, meanwhile, were looking to move Wennberg, potentially with other free-agents-to-be like Ryan Reaves and Jeff Skinner.
But now, the deal effectively removes Wennberg off the trade market. While it isn’t impossible for the Sharks to move Wennberg, the contract extension pretty much dashes any hopes of a trade.
Wennberg currently has a no-trade clause. The Sharks upheld the clause in his new contract. So, if the Sharks wanted to still trade Wennberg, it would have to be at the player’s request. That situation, again, seems extremely implausible at this point.
Wennberg Part of Sharks Future
Wennberg has emerged as a key part of the Sharks’ future. The veteran center has provided stability, playing a crucial role as the team’s second-line center. He’s been the solid, veteran counterpart to Macklin Celebrini.
While the contract is only a three-year deal, it makes sense for both sides. Wennberg will likely slide down the Sharks’ depth chart eventually. His role could go to Michael Misa at some point down the line. That situation means the Sharks may not necessarily want to hold on to him for longer than three or four seasons.
Of course, that’s a bridge the Sharks will cross when they get to it. For now, the focus will be on Wennberg continuing to play a key role for the team. His seven goals and 26 points in 40 games have been a boon for the club.
San Jose Remains in Playoff Picture
Wennberg’s performance this season has been pivotal in the Sharks’ resurgence. San Jose remains on the cusp of the playoff race. Entering Sunday’s action, the Sharks were tied with the LA Kings for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. However, the Kings technically hold the playoff spot since they have fewer regulation losses.
Based on that situation, it makes sense that the Sharks are reluctant to hold a fire sale. The club may be willing to hold on to pieces in hopes of potentially sneaking into the playoffs. Even if they don’t make it, the cap space they have could allow them to add major pieces this upcoming offseason.
The Sharks will definitely be a team to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches. Unlike the last decade or so, San Jose could be a buyer this season.
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