Report: Maple Leafs have trade interest in Sharks’ Ferraro and Kunin first appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area.
While it has already been reported that the Sharks are available for business ahead of the March 8 NHL trade deadline, it appears like San Jose might receive a good return for a couple of their players on the market.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in defenseman Mario Ferraro and center Luke Kunin, and “are more likely to move a first-round pick” for a player under contract, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta claimed Tuesday. Ferraro signed a four-year, $13 million contract with the Sharks in 2022, while Kunin will stay under team control as a restricted free agent following this season.
“Including a first-rounder in a package could be of interest to both clubs,” Pagnotta said of the Sharks and Maple Leafs. “I would also consider the Edmonton Oilers for both guys. In either Toronto or Edmonton’s case, a contract or two would need to be returned to San Jose to make the numbers work.
Ferraro had 14 points in 50 games during the 2023-24 NHL season, with one goal and 13 assists, with a plus/minus rating of -22. Since his NHL debut in 2019, San Jose’s best defenseman has led the team in hits (632). However, the Sharks’ current situation means that even stars like Ferraro are on the trading block.
Ferraro stated in December that he does not want San Jose to move him, citing “unfinished business.”
“This organization has done so much for me, right?” Ferraro informed San Jose Hockey Now. “I feel like I still owe them and the fans.”
In July 2022, the Nashville Predators transferred Kunin to the Sharks in exchange for John Leonard and a 2023 third-round draft pick. He was the first player traded under Mike Grier’s stint with the Sharks, and it appears like the general manager could get a good return on his investment for the center, who is tied for third on the team with eight goals.
But it’s unclear whether San Jose will be able to reach an agreement for either player, let alone the other four players on expiring contracts who Pagnotta expects to be traded by the deadline: Anthony Duclair, Mike Hoffman, Alexander Barabanov, and Kevin Labanc.
The Sharks’ prices for those players are “steep,” according to Pagnotta, because none are rentals and thus have a far higher value.
With the deadline just over two weeks away, San Jose supporters should anticipate the buzz about these Sharks players to intensify even further.
