Insider: One Sharks Pending UFA Could Be Off The Trade Block

The San Jose Sharks are having a breakout season, with their rebuild finally paying off with a significant upswing in the standings. They currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. And the recent trade for Kiefer Sherwood is evidence they aren't fooling around.

With several pending unrestricted free agents on their blueline, however, they have some tough choices to make at the trade deadline. Mario Ferraro, John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and Vincent Desharnais are all on expiring contracts.

And with GM Mike Grier still hoping to bolster his blueline for the stretch run, it's quite possible that at least one of that foursome will not be dealt. In fact, insider David Pagnotta says to keep an eye on extension talks for Ferraro during the Olympic Break.

The Sharks are believed to have some interest in retaining Ferraro on a short term deal, though a formal contract offer has not been presented.

And while the feeling of extending is mutual for Ferraro, the 27-year-old is coming off a $3.25 million AAV for the past four years, and is projected by AFP Analytics to be able to land a five-year deal with a $5.9 million AAV. Are the Sharks willing to give that much term? Pagnotta continues:

I believe Ferraro is interested in staying in San Jose now that they've turned the corner and are trending upwards, but with the opportunity to cash in on a long-term contract via free agency, it would surprise me if he and his camp entertain the idea of a two or three year deal.

The insider says the Colorado Avalanche were a team with Ferraro on their radar, and could circle back at the deadline. The Sharks hope to have a better sense of their chances of re-signing him by then, as they'll work on that during the Feb. 4-22 Olympic Break.

Ferraro is registering his best plus/minus rating in his seven-year career in San Jose, at a -2, though his ice time is down a bit this season to 20:50 TOI per game. He has 12 points in 50 games, and has registered 95 blocks and 85 hits.