San Jose Sharks in trade talks surrounding RHD

The San Jose Sharks are open for business and a lot of their attention right now is on their blueline.

According to multiple reports, the Sharks are open to moving right-handed defencemen John Klingberg and Timothy Liljegren. GM Mike Grier is looking to land blueliners before the March 6th trade deadline who are under contract and long-term options for the franchise.

Both Klingberg and Liljegren are pending unrestricted free agents and aren't players who Grier feels warrants to be contributing pieces for San Jose heading into next season, which could potentially be a Cup contending season. The Sharks have surprised this year and enter the Olympic break with a 27-24-4 record, sitting five points out of a playoff spot.

David Pagnotta: Timothy Liljegren is out there, which isn’t a surprise; the Sharks are listening on all their pending UFA defencemen, and while the Sharks are trying to strengthen their blueline, he doesn’t seem to fit into their plans moving forward - Fourth Period (2/3)

Liljegren is owed $3 million this season, and does not hold any trade protection, meanwhile, Klingberg's contract recently changed as he now doesn't have a full no-trade clause and simply a 14-team no-trade list. The Sharks only have two defencemen under contract for next season, which includes Sam Dickinson, who is on his entry-level deal, and veteran Dmitry Orlov. 

Look for Grier to move both of his right-handed defencemen, with the Carolina Hurricanes a likely partner, as they continue to look for ways to replace Brent Burns, who left the team for the Colorado Avalanche.

The Detroit Red Wings are also in the market to add to their blueline and could have interest in one, or both. Don't expect to see the Sharks land anything of significance in return for the former Maple Leafs duo, but if it's a mid-round draft pick or b-level prospect, it should be considered a win.

Liljegren's scored one goal and 11 points in 42 games, meanwhile Klingberg's produced 10 goals and 20 points in 41 games. If Grier grabs a second-rounder for Klingberg, he should be very pleased.

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images