San Jose Sharks trade tiers: Who is likely gone, and what big decisions might lie ahead?

The last time the San Jose Sharks were on an 11-game losing streak, general manager Mike Grier met with players inside the team’s dressing room and in a one-way conversation, re-emphasized what his expectations were for them whenever they wore the uniform.

With the Sharks now on their second 11-game losing streak of the season, Grier is probably past the point of having another meeting. Now, with the NHL’s trade deadline two months away on March 8, it’s a matter of who stays and who goes, and how drastic the changes should be for the rebuilding franchise.

Not only are several of the Sharks’ pending unrestricted free agents likely on the way out, but with the salary cap expected to grow from $83.5 million this season to $87.7 million next season, it’s possible that some players with term could also be dealt — for the right price.

Certainly, the next two months for Grier and the Sharks’ front office will be pivotal, with plenty of decisions to be made about what the roster will look like going forward.

Here’s our best estimation as to who will be dealt by the Sharks by the March 8 trade deadline.

MOST LIKELY TRADED

Forwards: Mike Hoffman, Anthony Duclair, Alexander Barabanov. Goalie: Kaapo Kahkonen.

Analysis: The most reasonable path forward for the Sharks will be trying to recoup as many assets as possible for players on expiring contracts. Hoffman, 34, Duclair, 28, and Barabanov, 29, have not had great individual statistical seasons but could flourish on deeper, more experienced teams. It’s not unreasonable to suggest that both Hoffman and Duclair, with eight and seven goals, respectively, could both reach 15 or 20 this season. Barabanov has seven points in 20 games this season but averaged about two-thirds of a point per game in his first two-plus seasons in San Jose.

Duclair had not had any contact extension talks with the Sharks as of last month and there hasn’t been any back-and-forth between the team and Barabanov’s camp as of early this week, although that could change.

Kahkonen has had a solid season so far on a bad Sharks team with a .900 save percentage and per moneypuck.com, also owns solid underlying numbers. The goalie market at the trade deadline can be fickle, as teams weigh whether the player they’re acquiring is better than one of the two netminders they already have. Although Kahkonen lacks NHL postseason experience, he could be a reliable backup or 1B option for some playoff-bound teams.

Expected return: The Sharks would do well to get a first-rounder for Duclair, Barabanov, or Kahkonen, so it might be more reasonable to expect a second or third-round pick or a decent prospect in return for any of the three. We’ll see if the Sharks have to retain any of Hoffman’s cap hit to complete a deal. It’ll be around $1 million by March 8, so it may not be necessary.

POSSIBLY TRADED

Forward: Kevin Labanc. Defenseman: Radim Simek.

Analysis: It’s no secret that the Sharks have shopped Labanc in the past, but the winger’s contract and varying levels of production have likely been a hindrance to any deal. Labanc, 28, has six points in 28 games, averaging just over 12 minutes in ice time. But given a fresh start elsewhere in the right environment, Labanc could be rejuvenated, as he’s not too far removed from being around a half-point per game player and a power play mainstay. Labanc’s remaining cap hit by early March will be just over $1 million.

Simek, 31, has spent all season in the AHL with the Barracuda but has over 200 games of NHL experience and could be a solid addition for a team looking for depth for minimal cost.

Expected return: Late-round draft picks.

PLAYERS WITH TERM

Forward: Nico Sturm. Defensemen: Mario Ferraro, Jan Rutta. Goalie: Mackenzie Blackwood.

Analysis: Here’s where things get interesting. It’s not believed the Sharks are shopping these players, but that won’t prevent other GMs from kicking tires and wondering about the price tag. Sturm, 28, has one year left at a $2 million cap hit, but is among the NHL’s best in the faceoff dot, is a steady penalty killer, and has already won a Stanley Cup with Colorado. Rutta, 33, has won two Cups and has one year left at $2.75 million, a reasonable sum for a veteran middle or third-pair defenseman.

Ferraro, 25, has two years left at a $3.25 million cap hit, and figures to be highly sought after if the Sharks make him available. That could be a tough call, considering his importance to the team beyond just his on-ice value.

Healthy again, Blackwood has been steady and like Kahkonen, has some solid underlying numbers. He has one year left at $2.35 million.

Expected return: The Sharks would want an early-round pick or prospect with upside for Sturm, who was acquired by Colorado from Minnesota for Tyson Jost, a 2016 first-round selection. Rutta could be had for a slightly lower price tag, but he’s been a help to some of the team’s younger defensemen, and the Sharks are not under any pressure to trade him away.

For Blackwood, the Sharks should be asking for a promising goalie prospect, considering some of the inconsistencies Magnus Chrona and Eetu Makiniemi have experienced at the AHL level, or a first-round pick. Again, there’s no urgency to trade him.

For Ferraro, the Sharks should ask for the world, getting nothing less than a package that includes a first-rounder, and a promising prospect, with perhaps a veteran also in the mix to make the cap hits work.

OTHER TRADE POSSIBILITIES

Forwards: Ryan Carpenter, Oskar Lindblom, Jacob MacDonald. Defensemen: Nikolai Knyzhov, Kyle Burroughs.