Sharks Would Regret Trading Mario Ferraro

When you’re a struggling team approaching the trade deadline, contending teams will constantly be in contact, gauging which players you would be willing to part with and their asking price. Over the last couple of seasons, the San Jose Sharks have learned that all too well. As they progress through their rebuild, they continue to post poor results on the ice, but with those difficulties come opportunities to trade valuable players in exchange for assets, and this season is no different. Almost no players are untouchable, and plenty of teams, writers and fanbases wonder who they will ultimately give up. But while the Sharks absolutely should — and likely will — make some trades at the deadline, one player they need to retain is defenseman Mario Ferraro. His name has been thrown around in a few trade rumors, but he is simply too valuable to San Jose’s future to make a deal worthwhile.

Ferraro Is a Crucial Blueliner

As the Sharks build their roster back up, no aspect of the team needs an overhaul more than their defense. They’ve allowed the most goals in the NHL this season, and most of their defensemen are either too old or too young to be major contributors right now. Ferraro is the exception.

He may not be skilled enough to be a number-one defenseman, but he’s not far off from it. His aggressive, physical style can help set a tone for future Sharks teams and establish their identity. He’s a player who will show up nearly every game and give a complete 60-minute effort. Those players are rarer than many realize, and when you have one on your roster, you shouldn’t part with him.

Furthermore, while he’s known for his defense, his offense has been a pleasant surprise this season. He’ll certainly never fill Erik Karlsson’s role — and will likely never come close — but he’s trending toward a single-season career-high in points, and currently leads Sharks blueliners in the category. He’ll always be a defense-first player, but this season has demonstrated his versatility in a way that could give him an even more important role in the coming seasons in San Jose. Combine that with the maximization of his more developed skills, and you’ve got a defenseman who can be a core member of the Sharks for many years to come.

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