Report card grades for all 31 NHL teams at the trade deadline

San Jose Sharks: A-

Doug Wilson was able to quietly put together a nice trade deadline. The addition of Eric Fehr earlier in the month addresses their need for depth at the center position, while adding Evander Kane gives San Jose another weapon on the wings. A lot of the focus about this year’s deadline will go to Nashville, Tampa Bay and the Rangers; however, these moves by San Jose could make them a dark-horse cup contender. San Jose is currently second in the Pacific but only two points away from dropping out of the playoffs entirely.

The main trade is the Kane trade. Kane had an amazing start to the season and then hit a big slump. This, paired with his track record off of the ice, meant he had lower value compared to a player like Rick Nash. Kane, who has similar point production and is younger, should have gotten a similar return to what the Rangers got for Nash. Wilson was able to pay low, offering a conditional first-round 2019 pick that can be changed into a second, as well as a 2020 fourth-round pick. Losing prospect Dan O’ Regan is not a devastating move to their pipeline, as they have plenty of talent in the system.

Adding Eric Fehr brings in yet another veteran to the locker room and gives the Sharks some options at center. Every playoff it is important to stay healthy and get strong center play. Fehr will not light up the scoreboard, but he will play safe, conservative hockey, which is exactly what you look for in a fourth liner. The Sharks also added a 2018 sixth-round draft pick for minor league pieces Brandon Bollig and Troy Grosenick. Wilson was able to spend and fill his needs without breaking the bank, which earned him an A -.