In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the hockey world, San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier has orchestrated a series of trades and signings that have shaped the future of the franchise. From the blockbuster trade that brought Erik Karlsson to the Bay Area, to the controversial decision to trade away beloved players like Tomas Hertl, Grier has left his mark on the team.
When Grier first took over as GM, the Sharks were in need of a rebuild. He wasted no time in stripping down the roster, shipping off fan favorites in order to acquire assets and give younger players a chance to shine. The moves were met with mixed reactions from fans, with some questioning whether Grier had made the right decisions.
One of Grier’s most notable trades was the deal that sent Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes. In return, the Sharks received Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, and Jan Rutta. Granlund’s playmaking skills were on full display as he notched 48 assists for a team that struggled to score. However, with his contract expiring, Grier will likely look to move on from him. Hoffman, currently a free agent, is not expected to return to San Jose. Grier also acquired a first-round pick in the deal, which he later used to select top defensive prospect Sam Dickinson.
In a controversial move, Grier traded Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights for David Edstrom and a first-round pick. Edstrom, a promising two-way center, is expected to play a key role in the Sharks’ lineup. Despite the short time between Grier’s hiring and the 2022 draft, the Sharks were able to select promising players like Filip Bystedt, Cam Lund, and Mattias Havelid.
Grier’s impact was further felt in the 2024 draft, where the Sharks landed the first overall pick for the first time in franchise history. They selected top prospect Macklin Celebrini, as well as defensive standout Dickinson. With these picks, Grier solidified the Sharks’ future on both offense and defense.
As the Sharks continue to develop their young talent, Grier’s legacy as GM will be defined by the success of the players he brought in and the trades he made. Only time will tell if his moves were truly worthwhile, but one thing is for certain: Grier’s tenure has been anything but boring.
