Sharks restock draft pick arsenal through NHL trade deadline moves

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The Sharks’ cupboard of draft picks is a lot better stocked than it was a week ago.

San Jose had every reason to be a seller at Monday's NHL trade deadline, and did a good job of turning current short-term assets -- of little use during an otherwise lost season -- into ones that should expedite the franchise's goal of getting back into contention starting next year. The Sharks made three significant trades, and in each one, they added at least one valuable future draft pick.

For Brenden Dillon, San Jose received the Colorado Avalanche's 2020 second-round pick and a conditional 2021 third-rounder from the Washington Capitals, which could turn into a 2020 third-round selection if the Capitals go on to win the Stanley Cup.

For Patrick Marleau, the Sharks got the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2021 third-round pick, which will become a 2021 second-rounder if Pittsburgh lifts Lord Stanley.

Then, for Barclay Goodrow and the Philadelphia Flyers' 2020 third-round pick, San Jose acquired Anthony Greco and a 2020 first-round choice from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

So, to summarize: In exchange for Goodrow, two pending unrestricted free agents and the Flyers' third-rounder, the Sharks added four picks -- all of which fall in the first three rounds -- over the next two drafts. Combined with its previously owned selections, San Jose currently holds at least seven picks in each of the 2020, 2021 and 2022 NHL drafts.

Additionally, the Sharks now own a 2020 first-round pick again after previously sending their own to the Ottawa Senators as part of the 2018 trade for defenseman Erik Karlsson.

With a rebuilt collection of assets, Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is excited by the possibilities it affords the franchise.

"We always evaluate the draft," Wilson said after the trade deadline. "It’s not just the first-round pick; it’s the two seconds. We think we can identify some guys in the draft that are some talented forwards that we’re probably looking for to add to our group, but we also match that up with some potential availability of players that could be available in trade prior to the draft, too."

[RELATED: Why Sharks GM Wilson a big winner at NHL trade deadline]

Given the way San Jose's season has gone and the fact the Sharks didn't acquire any sure-fire NHL players at the deadline, they clearly need an influx of talent. The draft picks acquired in the trades for Dillon, Marleau and Goodrow certainly should help with that, whether the Sharks make those selections or another team does.

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