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Sharks General Manager Mike Grier Shockingly Makes First Overall Pick Available for Trade

Originally posted on Blade of Steel
By Graham Montgomery | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 7:03 PM ET

Sharks gm Mike Grier confirmed today that he is potentially open to trading the first overall pick in this year's draft.

The San Jose Sharks are entering the next era for their franchise.

After former captain Logan Couture announced his retirement this week, 1300-game NHL veteran defenseman Marc-Eduard Vlasic is the last remaining member of the old core.

The team's future remains bright however as 2024 1st overall pick Macklin Celebrini lead all rookies in goals, and was second in points while 2023 4th overall pick Will Smith came in 4th in rookie scoring.

Furthermore, the Sharks finished in last place once again this year, giving them the best odds to draft 1st overall yet again.

That being said, there is no Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini available in the 2025 draft.

Without a clear consensus number one pick, the value of drafting first overall is certainly a lot lower than it has been in recent years.

As such, Mike Grier told reporters today that he would consider trading the 1st overall pick should his club be fortunate enough to win the draft lottery twice in a row.

For clarification, teams are only allowed to improve on their draft position by winning the lottery twice in a five year span.

Since the Sharks did not technically improve their position by winning last year, they still have both of those opportunities in tact.

Regardless, Grier would still have to receive quite the offer to move the 1st overall selection as he would effectively be passing on the opportunity to draft Matthew Schaefer.

Schaefer is not quite the consensus first overall pick, but as the Sharks are in dire need of elite prospects on defense, he is almost certainly their top target this year.

He had 7 goals and 22 points in 17 games in the OHL this year, missing much of the season due to injury.

Depite the injury he is ranked 1st by several outlets including Elite Prospects, Dobber Prospects, Bob McKenzie, and Sportsnet.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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