Sharks Seek Offensive Boost, Defensive Anchor in Offseason Trades

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After narrowly missing the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the San Jose Sharks are looking to make key offseason trades to bolster their roster. Two potential targets are Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, both of whom could provide the offensive firepower and defensive stability the Sharks need to return to the postseason.

Why it matters

The Sharks made significant progress in the 2025-26 season, led by a franchise-record points performance from Macklin Celebrini. However, they ultimately fell short of the playoffs, highlighting the need for additional scoring depth and a true top-pair defenseman to support their young star. Acquiring players like Knies and Hamilton could be the missing pieces to get the Sharks back into contention.

The details

The Sharks have reportedly targeted Knies, a 23-year-old winger coming off a career-best 66-point season with the struggling Maple Leafs. With Toronto potentially looking to make changes under a new GM, Knies could be available via trade and would provide an ideal offensive complement to Celebrini. Meanwhile, the Sharks previously tried to acquire Hamilton from the Devils last offseason, but the defenseman exercised his no-trade clause. San Jose, projected to have $41 million in cap space, may try again to land the elite two-way blueliner who could anchor their defensive corps.

• The Sharks missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs by just 4 points.
• Celebrini broke the Sharks' single-season points record in 2025-26.
• Knies' name surfaced in trade rumors around the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.

What’s next

The Sharks will need to determine if Knies or Hamilton are available via trade and if they are willing to part with the necessary assets to acquire them. The team's salary cap situation and upcoming free agents will also factor into their offseason plans.