Trade Talk on ESPN....

The Sharks popped up in the bi-weekly discussion between Pierre Lebrun and Scott Burnside on ESPN.com...

One thing I liked was that they hadn't heard of a current Shark that they were shopping.  The flip side of that is the likelihood of some of these guys: Couture, McGinn, Joslin, Ferriero, Stalock, Greiss, Tommy Wingels, and Petrecki disappearing are high.  Poop.

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"LeBrun: First of all, there's no doubt in my mind the Caps are privately married to the idea that Varlamov is their man come playoff time, but they like having Theodore around as a veteran presence. Moving on to Chicago, here's what I heard from there Wednesday night: they'd like to add a defenseman. That may seem surprising given their star quality there, but that's what I was told.


And here's the kicker: I'm told the team is still toying with the idea of adding a goalie. Huet has never won a playoff round and there's apparently some nervousness there. Given his $5.625 million salary, I can't believe the Hawks can even try this given how tight they are under the cap, but I was told if they can move a $3 million player and add a $2.5 million goalie, who knows. Dwayne Roloson's cap number is $2.5 million, although the Islanders would rather move UFA-to-be Martin Biron ($1.4 million), as we discussed Wednesday. Roloson has one more year on his deal. Seems amazing there's still concern about the goaltending in Chicago, but apparently that's the case. [Begin talk about the Sharks] As for the Sharks, it is absolutely clear Wilson is canvassing the rest of the league looking for a D-man. No question. That's where his move will be.



Burnside: We all know how these deadline deals can turn out. The Sharks have known their fair share of deadline misery, having jettisoned a ton of assets in prospects and draft picks since the lockout and never advancing beyond the second round. I would think Wilson will be very cautious. And frankly, there just aren't a lot of defensemen out there; Marek Zidlicky and Kim Johnsson if Minnesota falters, and then there's Nashville GM David Poile's dilemma about what to do with Dan Hamhuis if he doesn't think he can re-sign him. But you can forget Poile trading him to San Jose for a host of reasons. I think Hamhuis would look pretty good in Washington, and the Caps have some assets they could move, including Alexander Semin, who was brought under contract this season but could be expendable given the team's offensive depth. Of the "big three," which most needs to make a move to solidify a trip deep into the playoffs?



LeBrun: I think the Sharks really need a defenseman. I get worried after Dan Boyle, Marc-Edouard Vlasic (injured right now), Rob Blake and the underrated Douglas Murray. Niclas Wallin of the Hurricanes is another available blueliner. Frankly, if I'm Wilson, I phone up GM Brian Burke in Toronto and tell him to inform the Tomas Kaberle (no-trade clause) camp that the Sharks are interested. It just so happens Wilson and the Sharks are in Toronto on Monday. Perhaps the two GMs can grab lunch. Until Friday, my friend."