The key to this deal is to move out futures and not touch the roster too much. The Sharks are looking to bolster a lacking prospect pool, especially on the defensive side of things. The best prospect they have is William Eklund, who played with Alexander Holtz in Sweden. His name has been in trade rumors for as long as they have been out there and it makes perfect sense why. He is the #1 forward prospect and getting some likely chemistry can only be good from the Sharks’ perspective.
They also would be getting another first-round prospect in Shakir Mukhamadullin, who probably doesn’t fit on this roster with Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec coming in. On the Sharks, he could very easily help their prospect pool look much better. Sharks fans would probably complain at first, but getting essentially three first-round talents for a guy is a big haul and a great way to start a rebuild.
If San Jose wants to play hardball with it moving closer to the deadline, the Devils should just walk away and not make the panic move just because the Rangers got better. This team’s window just opened this season, and we still have a long ways to go despite being legitimately competitive. While it would move the needle this season, it might only be a small upgrade in a few years if the wrong piece is moved. There is also the chance that they could get him for less in the offseason or nothing in two years if he sees success and wants to play with Hischier for a Stanley Cup.