San Jose Sharks face a pivotal challenge: can they upgrade their blue line and accelerate their rebuild? With just Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson under contract for next season, the Sharks must address four open defensive spots. The limited pool of promising internal candidates, such as Luca Cagnoni and Eric Pohlkamp, raises questions about immediate impact. At the same time, the 2026 NHL free agency market offers few top-tier defenders, forcing management to get creative.

JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ options, spotlighting trade targets such as Rasmus Andersson, Dougie Hamilton, and Owen Power—plus the massive effect a potential Quinn Hughes move could have on the entire defense market. Cap space, asset flexibility, and the urgency for long-term solutions frame San Jose’s strategic dilemma. Can GM Mike Grier leverage the Sharks’ league-leading prospect pool to land a franchise-altering star? Dive into this analysis of San Jose’s defensive future.

 

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