Pending free agents waiting

NHL trade deadline could bring moves

The looming NHL trade deadline in three weeks has the potential to be an anxious time for a handful of San Jose Sharks players — and others around the league on non-playoff-contending teams — who are pending unrestricted free agents.

Anthony Duclair, though, isn't stressing out. The Sharks winger has been traded four times in his 10-year NHL career, including in 2015 and 2019 when he was shipped from one team to another on the eve of the deadline.

“For me, it's just another year. I just try to have fun with it now,” Duclair said. “I don't get nervous or anything like that. I just try to enjoy the process and whatever happens, happens.”

Now in 2024, the speedy Duclair is a prime candidate to be on the move again, as the Sharks, in next-to-last place in the NHL's overall standings, try to recoup assets for a handful of players who are pending UFAs.

“Where we are, we don't — if we can avoid it — (want to) let UFAs walk for nothing,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said last month. “So if we can get something back that will help us down the road, we'll definitely look to try and do that.”

Here's a look at where things stand for some of the Sharks' pending unrestricted free agents.

Anthony Duclair, winger

Contract status:

In the final year of a three-year, $9 million contract

Age: 28

Career NHL stats: 131 goals, 147 assists in 537 games (has 17 points in 47 games this season before Thursday's game in Calgary)

The skinny: Duclair, who represents himself in contract negotiations, said earlier this week that he and the Sharks have not had any discussions regarding an extension. “I haven't heard anything at all. I'm sure a conversation will happen soon,” said Duclair, who, now on his seventh NHL team, is looking for a contract with some term.

“Obviously, everybody knows I'm looking for a home where I can spend the next few years. That would be my ideal situation,” he said. “But I also know that I have to earn that right, so obviously these next three weeks are pretty important. The way I play, the way I conduct myself, so I just want to focus on that.”

Duclair is keeping all options available, including re-signing with the rebuilding Sharks should that opportunity arise. San Jose will have some cap space available and Duclair has fit in well with a team in transition.

Still, Duclair will be 29 in August, and Grier will be wary of giving out a contract that takes a winger into his mid-30s considering where the franchise is at right now.

“I'm open to anything,” he said. “Obviously, I have to do what's right for myself and we'll go from there, but I'm definitely open to anything right now.”