San Jose Sharks Open to Trading #2 Overall Pick

The San Jose Sharks had luck on their side Tuesday night, as they've won the second overall pick at next months' NHL Draft in Buffalo.

General manager Mike Grier was very excited with the news, as the Sharks and the Maple Leafs were the big winners of the night, moving up the draft board in a major way. The Sharks are familiar drafting among the top three in recent years, however, with their roster currently constructed the way it is, and expectations climbing, expect to see Grier listen to any, and all trade offers for the pick.

“I’m always open to listening to what’s out there,” Grier told reporters after the lottery, including Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. “I was happy and excited. It was a good day for the organization." No kidding, Mike, now the fun part - what to do with the pick.

Considering the Sharks only have two defenceman signed for next season, there's a good chance Grier moves the pick for a young proven top-four defenceman, with term left on their contract. Don't expect to see Grier make a head-scratching trade here, there's no point to get risky.

Look for Grier to zone in on a defenceman who is either already an all-star, or on the way to becoming one on a regular basis. The Sharks have quickly become the team to watch this offseason. Grier has a ton of control and leverage in his hands, and it will be fun to see what kind of exciting moves he can pull off heading into the NHL Draft, and once free agency begins July 1. 

Photo credit:  Eric Bolte-Imagn Images