Sharks: Overreaction trade San Jose must make to help Macklin Celebrini

Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesSharks: Overreaction trade San Jose must make to help Macklin Celebrini appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The San Jose Sharks are hoping to turn the tables in 2026-27. The Sharks nearly made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, though they ultimately fell short. And they can almost entirely thank Macklin Celebrini for being in that conversation.Celebrini had a ton of buzz when he was drafted first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. He put together a very promising and productive rookie season as well. However, his sophomore campaign was when he announced himself as one of hockey’s elite players.The new Sharks captain scored 115 points, breaking a franchise record, in 2025-26. San Jose spent the summer bringing in veteran talent to improve the team around him. Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba, and Mason Marchment all joined over the summer.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the smoothest of starts for the Sharks this year. Entering play Tuesday, the Sharks are 7-7-1, sitting with 15 points in 15 games. San Jose are just outside of the playoffs at this time.San Jose has a ton of assets to work with if they want to enter the trade market. They very well may have the best prospect pipeline in the league at this time. The young talent on San Jose’s roster right now is still only scratching the surface of what could be coming down the line.There are a number of trade candidates out there that could make this team a lot better. However, there is one that stands above the rest. This player could take the Sharks from fringe contender in the West to legitimate challengers for the Western Conference championship.Nikita Kucherov would make Sharks immediate playoff contendersMandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesTampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov has requested a trade away from the only NHL team he has known. Kucherov is a free agent this summer. And it appears contract talks have broken down between the player and the team.Kucherov is an icon of this franchise, so this is certainly a tough look for the organization. The veteran winger is also a top-five player in the NHL, at the very least. He could arguably be considered a top-three player in the league.It’s extremely rare that a player of this caliber becomes available on the trade market. Kucherov is 33 years old, but has four straight 110+ point seasons under his belt. He is on track for another point-per-game season. It’s been a bit of a slow start by his lofty standards, but he could certainly find that extra gear here soon.The Sharks have the assets to add Kucherov to their lineup. Pairing him with Celebrini would give San Jose one of the best 1-2 punches in the entire league. He would complete their top six in a major way.There is certainly some risk here. The Sharks have not made the playoffs with their current core. San Jose doesn’t want to make that massive move unless they are certain this team is ready.At the same time, Kucherov would almost guarantee them playoff hockey in a weak Western Conference. He would give them a legitimate chance to contend for the Western Conference championship as well. They have the assets to do this and still have a deep prospect pipeline.The Sharks need to help Celebrini as best they can. Addressing the defensive core over the summer was a good first step. Adding a superstar like Kucherov next to him would be a logical next step to take in 2026-27.Related: Best Nikita Kucherov landing spots after stunning trade request