Sharks Looking To Trade Up To First Overall & Draft Schaefer

The San Jose Sharks have their sights set on the first overall pick and that means they are likely hoping for the chance to draft Matthew Schaefer, per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. They currently hold the second overall pick and will have to get a deal done with the New York Islanders if they want to get it done.

Even though it is just one pick, it is at the top of the draft and it will be costly. The Sharks will most definitely have to send their second overall pick to the Islanders along with a prospect, their other first round pick, or one of their second round picks this year.

The Sharks have Sam Dickinson in their system and he looks very good, but they appear to want a running mate for him. San Jose already looks very good up front for the future with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, Quentin Musty, and more, but have a much larger need to acquire another highly skilled defenseman.

Schaefer is likely to go first overall, whether it is to the Islanders or the Sharks. The Islanders need help at forward too and there are a number of options other than Schaefer, but it's almost always the right move to draft the best available player and deal with whatever comes later.

I could see the Islanders moving down one spot and drafting James Hagens or Michael Misa while adding to their prospect pool or draft cabinet for this year. The Sharks know what they want and have plenty to offer to get it. They appear to be building a very good all around young team that will soon take the step towards the playoffs and contend year after year.