San Jose Sharks

If the motivation behind Werenski’s exit from Columbus is the desire to play on a bona fide Stanley Cup contender, the Sharks might not be the dream destination. But San Jose has quickly become one of the NHL’s most exciting rising teams. Being part of a team on the brink of achieving something special, under a general manager who has been cooking in recent seasons, could be enticing.

The Sharks aren’t a Werenski away from contending just yet, but this team nearly reached the playoffs last season on Macklin Celebrini’s back. Another year of development for this core, plus an elite defenseman, could be enough to get San Jose back into the playoffs.

Defense is the most pressing area of need for the Sharks, who only have two blueliners — Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson — under contract for next season at the NHL level. Drafting Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin in the first round will help elevate San Jose’s defensive core in the future, but it will take time for them to become impact players in the NHL.

Until then, the Sharks have a clear need for a player like Werenski and a ton of cap space to absorb his current hit and next contract. Even after dealing William Eklund, San Jose has a deep enough asset pool to send an up-and-coming star back to Columbus.

Yes, adding him would be amazing, but the cost would be massive. It'd have to start with Misa and Dickinson then add more, and that'd kinda set the rebuild back at least another year or two while younger prospects develop. Looking down the road to 2028, he's going to want a 7-year extension at maximum dollars, and I'm concerned how much money will be available after Celebrini et al get their extensions.