Sharks Have Decision To Make On Ferraro

The San Jose Sharks have been rebuilding for a number of years now and they have built enough to be in the running for the playoffs this season. This isn't without struggles and the team definitely needs more to be able to compete, but it's a good start.

For a couple of these latest rebuilding years, Mario Ferraro was a defenseman that has received plenty of interest, but now is in the final year of his deal set to become a UFA and the Sharks could use him.

David Pagnotta said, "Mario Ferraro's name has been tied to the trade market for the last two years. He was open to a change of scenery. Now you're in a scenario...maybe he's part of the solution. It's going to cost you a decent package in order to do it."

Ferraro continues to be a reliable top-4 defenseman and one of many upcoming free agents at the end of the season. He's playing the third-most among d-men at 20:54 per game, plays well over three minutes per game killing penalties, has 98 blocked shots, and 89 hits in 52 games this season. He has also slightly chipped in offensively with four goals and 12 points.

Ferraro has a great $3.25 million AAV cap hit, so that's very attractive to any contender looking for a defensive upgrade. He also has plenty of experience playing both sides of the ice. The main reason why he'll likely stick around and maybe even extend is the Sharks are one point back of a playoff spot with two games in hand. They aren't that healthy right now, but when they are, the team is going to improve further. Players like Kiefer Sherwood, Phillip Kurashev, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Ty Dellandrea still have to return.

But just because the pending UFA Ferraro should stay, doesn't mean all of the others should. John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, and Nick Leddy are all UFAs and Mukhamadullin and Vincent Iorio are both RFAs. One way or another, there should be and is going to be multiple changes on defense by next season with prospects pushing for spots, better health, and not enough room for everyone to stick around.

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