San Jose Sharks: 3 Bold Predictions for 2021-22 Season

The San Jose Sharks have a team full of veterans on big contracts and the franchise hasn't really enjoyed much success of late. The expectations are low in California for the Sharks this season so let's dive into three bold predictions for San Jose in 2021-22.

Evander Kane Gets Dealt ASAP

Not that bold, I know, however the more and more that comes out about Kane in San Jose, the more likely it is he gets moved. It's a wild situation, as it's not often a group of teammates go to management about asking a player to get moved, but that's exactly what's happened in San Jose. 

Kane is coming off a great statistical season where he put up 49 points in 55 games, including 22 goals. His contract is going to be hard to absorb for any club, as he's making $7 million for the next four seasons. The Sharks will for sure have to retain some salary to get a deal facilitated.

Brent Burns Gets Traded

There hasn't been too many rumblings about Burns leaving San Jose so far in his career, however if the Sharks struggle, teams will come calling about the rover-type defenseman. The 36-year-old can still skate with the best of them and is in wonderful shape, and not slowing down any time soon. The Barrie, ON product has four seasons left on his deal, paying him $8 million a season and he holds trade protection where he submits a list of 3 teams he's willing to pay for not named the Sharks.

Tomas Hertl On the Move

It's a trade happy edition that's for sure, but Hertl has already been linked to a trade this summer out of Montreal and it's very likely the pending free agent gets shipped out for some prospects. The 27-year-old and former first round pick appeared in 50 games last season, putting up 43 points. There's certainly a big market for the 6'2 versatile forward and look for the Sharks to put Hertl's name out there as one of the best rentals available this season.

Photo credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports