Show summary Hide summary
The San Jose Sharks emerge from this season holding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft — a position that offers power, flexibility and the potential to reshape their roster. While the pick is a prized asset, San Jose’s front office is openly ready to listen if an offer improves their long-term balance, especially on the blue line.
Why the Sharks might move the No. 2 pick
San Jose’s prospect cupboard is deep at forward. Recent selections give the franchise high-end talent up front. That abundance shifts the club’s priorities toward defense.
Sharks consider trading No. 2 pick: San Jose reportedly open to deal before 2026 NHL draft
Ciara Miller lands new hosting gig following Ariana Madix
GM Mike Grier has the leverage to shop a top-two pick because the team can already project NHL-ready forwards from recent drafts. Internal depth reduces the pressure to draft another forward at No. 2.
Independent reports indicate the Sharks are exploring options. Insiders note the organization views defensemen as the greatest unmet need. A trade could net a proven NHL defender, extra picks, or a combination of assets.
Teams likely to pursue a jump and what they could offer
Several clubs sitting behind San Jose have clear motives to move up. Those teams may be willing to assemble aggressive packages to secure a specific prospect.
- Vancouver Canucks: Could be motivated if they want to target a particular top prospect with elite upside.
- New York Rangers: Have draft capital and depth in later years that could tempt San Jose.
- Calgary Flames: Might pursue an upgrade to address their own long-term planning.
- Chicago Blackhawks: With a high pick already, they could be a trade partner if they see fit.
Any move up would likely involve a mix of future first-rounders, promising young players, or both. The Sharks can demand a significant return because the top-two slot has high market value.
Sample trade structures the Sharks may consider
- Package A: Multiple first-round picks across upcoming drafts plus a mid-level NHL player.
- Package B: One or two prospects with NHL potential and a protected first-round pick.
- Package C: Immediate roster help on defense plus a future first-round pick.
Each scenario lets San Jose address defensive needs while preserving long-term upside.
Which prospects could change the Sharks’ calculus
Scouts project the top of this draft to be forward-heavy, with names attracting early attention. That fact matters for San Jose, given their forward depth.
- Gavin McKenna — A top forward prospect many expect to go early.
- Ivar Stenberg — Another high-end forward expected in the top two.
- Keaton Verhoeff — One of the leading defense prospects available near the top of the board.
- Chase Reid — A top defensive option who could fill a long-term need.
If the top two players are both forwards, San Jose could trade down and still draft an elite defenseman in the top five or top six.
How the Sharks’ recent drafts affect decision-making
San Jose’s last three high picks change the risk calculus for using No. 2 on another forward. Their recent selections include:
- Will Smith — 2023, fourth overall.
- Macklin Celebrini — 2024, first overall.
- Michael Misa — 2025, second overall.
Those players form a foundation up front. That gives the front office room to pursue blue-line upgrades through trade or targeted drafting.
Timing and the negotiation window
The draft is still weeks away, so the Sharks have time to weigh offers and conduct trade work. League sources suggest the team will be actively fielding calls and vetting interest.
- Key date: The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26.
- Process: Evaluate offers, assess internal projections, and balance immediate versus future needs.
- Decision drivers: Prospect ceiling, roster construction, and long-term cap considerations.
San Jose can move the No. 2 pick if the return accelerates their rebuild, particularly on defense. The next few weeks should reveal how aggressively other clubs are willing to pursue a top-two selection.
