What Does Ex-Panthers Assistant GM Steve Werier Think of Sharks’ Rebuild?

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back!

Let’s talk about the state of the San Jose Sharks’ rebuild, post-Trade Deadline!

Steve Werier, former Florida Panthers assistant general manager, who now writes for Puckpedia, joins us to share his thoughts. (58:13)

But before we get to Steve, let’s talk about the latest Sharks news!

What have we thought of Luca Cagnoni in the NHL so far? (4:32)

What about Shakir Mukhamadullin, Patrick Giles, Will Smith, Mario Ferraro, and William Eklund’s recent play?

Cam Lund has signed his entry-level contract! (35:37)

What’s Sheng hearing about new San Jose Sharks defenseman Noah Beck? (53:15)

And now, Steve! (58:13)

What are Steve’s general thoughts about Sharks’ rebuild? What have they done better than other rebuilding teams like the Chicago Blackhawks? (58:56)

Are there any RFA’s that the San Jose Sharks should target this summer? (1:14:18)

Steve thinks that it might be time for the Sharks to make a move on a big UFA like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers.

How can the Sharks avoid the forever rebuilds that the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Utah Hockey Club have endured? (1:19:50)

What does Steve think of the NHL finally getting out of the cap constraint era?

Steve worked with Aaron Ekblad with the Florida Panthers, is he a good UFA target for the San Jose Sharks? (1:51:47)

5 comments

  1. Keep up the great podcasts, loving the more frequent uploads. Hoping we can get Schaefer/Misa this upcoming draft, this offseason will be a true test for Grier if he can add the right pieces and SHOULD be exciting for Shark fans!

  3. I read up on the RFA offer sheet rules. An offer sheet of around $8mil, range is $6,871,375 – $9,161,834, would cost three picks:

    2026 1st (EDM)
    2026 2nd (COL)
    2026 3rd – sharks currently don't have one, but could acquire it.

    For the first time, this seems plausible to me… I don't know who fits this and I'm not sold on JJ Peterka being worth it, but the idea is out there.

  5. Obviously most of the teams would want Schaefer.
    I could see Chicago, Philly and Buffalo potentially taking Misa over Schaefer.
    But I could see Philly and the rest of those eligible for the top pick to take Schaefer.

    I think if the Sharks end up with Schaefer, then we have two very solid defense pairs.
    Schaefer on one, Dickinson on one.
    Mukhmadulin, and enough others to have two very solid 1A / 1B pairs that each play a lot of minutes.
    Combine that with all the forwards in our system, and at that point it might be the "go-point".

    If we don't get Schaefer, then probably go the asset route.
    That would mean Misa or Martone, most likely.
    Not sure if there is a top 2026 defenseman to build around.
    But 2027 does have DuPont.
    Not sure the Sharks would still be a bottom five team with all the prospects by that point.
    And really, if we're a contender without Schaefer then go for the bunch of cups.

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