4 Teams Linked To Sharks' Mario Ferraro

The San Jose Sharks are hoping to take a step towards the playoffs, but have to also be realistic in that there isn't a great chance they move from 32nd to the top 16 teams over one season. It's coming, but there may still be quite a bit more changes. Those will not only include making some additions, but some subtractions as well.

Mario Ferraro has been the Sharks' top defenseman for a while now, but his team-friendly deal has one year left on it. Saving money on Ferraro hasn't come in handy yet, but if the team decides to move him, it will. Per The Fourth Period, the Sharks are open to moving their d-man even though he hasn't asked for a trade, although he would be open to a change in scenery. It is likely that teams that showed interest in Ferraro during the season will circle back around.

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche seem to be letting Ryan Lindgren walk in free agency, so there is a hole on the left side of their defense that they are looking to fill. The team doesn't have a ton of money to spend on adding, but fortunately for them, Ferraro has a cap hit of $3.25 million. Since he is heading into his final season, it could be seen as a year-long rental that may turn into more if he's a fit. Ferraro may turn out to be what the Avalanche had hoped Lindgren could provide.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning could get ahead of their future problems by bringing in Ferraro now and looking to keep him. Nick Perbix is a UFA this summer and the contracts of both Ryan McDonagh, Darren Raddysh, and JJ Moser expire after next season. Moser will be a RFA though. But regardless, that is a lot of potential change coming and McDonagh is nearing the end of his career at age 36. Ferraro could be a longer term replacement as he's only 26 years old and a solidified top-4 defenseman. Cap space will be hard to come by this season, but the Lightning could make it work.

Winnipeg Jets

Dylan Samberg needs a contract from the Winnipeg Jets, but including him, I would only be set on four of the d-men returning. The other three are Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, and Dylan DeMelo. There is room for change considering Hayden Fleury is a UFA this offseason and there are four others with one year left on their deal. Winnipeg has no trouble making the playoffs, but the only way to help Connor Hellebuyck even more so the Jets can win the Stanley Cup is to get even better in front of him. Ferraro would be that piece for cheap. The Jets are in win now mode and this is the type of deal that a team trying to win would attempt to make.

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames seem to be all over the map regarding their defense, and rightfully so considering only Mackenzie Weegar, Zayne Perekh, and Brayden Pachal are signed past next season. Kevin Bahl needs a contract right now as he is a RFA, but Rasmus Andersson, Jake Bean, and Daniil Miromanov all have one year left before becoming UFAs. The Flames have reworked their team fairly well, but they have to complete the re-tooling if it is going to be worth anything. Like some of the other teams, I don't doubt that if the Flames targeted Ferraro, they would want him to sign long-term. It would solidify another piece on the back-end and change the complexion.