San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier announced Wednesday that the franchise is open to trading its number two overall selection in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft to acquire an established player.
The Sharks hold three first-round picks: number two, number nine, and number 27.
>>> Calgary Flames Select Alan Shaikhlislamov to Boost Power Play
The flexibility comes after San Jose missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs by four points, prompting a focus on improving the defensive rotation.
Grier confirmed that at least five teams have made serious inquiries and legitimate offers for the second overall pick.
The team previously altered its draft positioning by acquiring the ninth pick from Ottawa and trading its original 21st pick to Philadelphia for the 27th selection.
"If the player fits and makes us better and is in the right age group, then I think we'd be in on them for sure," Grier said.
The general manager emphasized that any deal must benefit the franchise long-term, not serve as a temporary patch.
"There's probably been five teams that have been very consistently serious about (the No. 2 pick).
We've received a couple of legitimate offers that we've had to really think through," he added.
The trade market has already seen top-five movement for the first time since 2008 after Chicago dealt its fourth selection to Buffalo on Tuesday.
"There were lots more calls on (No. 9), yeah, and probably two more on (No. 2)," Grier noted.
"One that's real interesting, but yeah, it's picked up."
