The Sharks have several holes in their lineup that need to be filled before next season. Might they be able to kill two birds with one stone?
The Athletic's Michael Russo reported Wednesday that San Jose has inquired the Wild about goalie Devan Dubnyk, and shown interest in Minnesota forward Ryan Donato. The Athletic's Kevin Kurz suggested there is real substance to those rumors, and posited that the Sharks could look to acquire both players as part of a package deal.
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Dubnyk, 34, is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $4.33 million cap hit and will pay him $2.5 million in salary. He had an .890 save percentage and 3.35 goals-against average in 30 appearances (28 starts) this past season, but posted far superior statistics in every other season with the Wild since they acquired him in a mid-season trade in 2014-15. If the Sharks believe he can revert back to that form, he could be a fit in a tandem alongside holdover Martin Jones.
Donato, 24, also has one year remaining on his contract at $1.9 million. He has appeared in 130 games over the last three seasons, but showed this past season that he might be taking a step forward, registering 14 goals and nine assists in 62 contests. His youth and price tag could be attractive to the Sharks, particularly considering the abundance of question marks they have in the bottom six.
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Given that San Jose reportedly has been in contact with the Wild about both players, a package deal -- as Kurz suggested -- doesn't seem all that farfetched. Dubnyk does have a limited no-trade clause, and the Sharks certainly would have to send some salary the other way, but a trade theoretically could make sense for both teams.
San Jose Sharks
The 2020 NHL Draft is less than a week away, and you can expect plenty of player movement during it. If the Sharks and Wild are involved in a trade, don't be surprised if it's not a one-for-one deal.