With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.
After winning three Stanley Cups in six seasons, Patrick Sharp was finally a salary cap casualty of the Chicago Blackhawks. He went to Dallas, where he scored 20 goals and 55 points in 76 games. Unfortunately, Sharp has struggled with concussion problems this season and has played just 23 games. His struggles mirror those of his team. The Stars are on a three-game losing streak and have just three wins in their last 10 games. They’re now 19-20-10 on the season, four points out of the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
Contract
Sharp will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end; his cap hit is $5.9MM. As of today, there is $2.425MM remaining on his contract, per Cap Friendly.
2016-17
Sharp suffered a concussion early in the season and has missed 26 games. However, he returned to the lineup in late December and has seven points in his last 12 games.
Season Stats
23 games: 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points. 48 CF%, -6, 16:10 ATOI.
Potential Suitors
Leading into the playoffs, teams will be looking for veteran leaders who can score and have been there before. Patrick Sharp fills those categories and will definitely be drawing interest. Playoff-bound teams looking for a veteran offensive winger include Anaheim, Chicago, Edmonton, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, and Ottawa.
While Rickard Rakell has looked good on the top-line alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, a veteran winger like Sharp would be a great addition. Chicago has been unable to find a new winger to play with captain Jonathan Toews, and Sharp would be a familiar answer. He could try for a fourth Stanley Cup in the city he spent nine-plus years in. Edmonton could use a versatile right-handed offensive player in their top-nine, and Sharp would be a solid veteran addition. The other three teams fall into the same category as Edmonton; playoff-bound and looking for scoring.
Likelihood Of A Trade
As a desirable pending UFA on a struggling team, Sharp is fairly likely to be dealt. The only way it doesn’t happen is if Dallas starts winning games and pulls back into a playoff spot, or if Stars GM Jim Nill isn’t willing to retain salary to facilitate a move to a cap-restricted team.