Mario Ferraro enters his seventh season as the longest tenured player on the San Jose Sharks.
After the Sharks bought out Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Ferraro becomes the true elder statesman of the roster. The 27-year-old is coming off a significant foot injury and had a baby during the 2025 off-season. He participated fully in the first day of training camp and told reporters he is 100%.
“Feels crazy. Time flies by. I keep getting told that, as a parent, your time is going to fly by. Enjoy the young years of your child’s life,” Ferraro said. “Same thing I’ve been told when I came into the league here. It’s going to go by fast, so enjoy it.”
Ferraro says he and the Sharks haven’t had contract extension negotiations yet
Now, the biggest question surrounding the Sharks defenseman is his contractual status. Ferraro is in the final year of a four-year deal that averages $3.25 million annually.
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Reports over the summer suggested that Ferraro would be open to a change of scenery from the Sharks. In his first comments with the media, Ferraro says there haven’t been any discussions with the San Jose Sharks regarding a contract extension, but he’d love to re-sign with the franchise.
“I signed [for] four years. I got another year left. Right now [at main] camp, I’m just getting ready to rock and roll here,” Ferraro said. “I’m getting excited for the season. I’m patient, [and] I’m just trying to get ready here. How I perform is most important for myself as an individual entering this season. I’m a leader on this team. I gotta be here for my teammates, and be the best that I can be, so we can win more games this year.”
“I’d love to sign long-term here, I want to win here.”
Pending UFA Ferraro wants to stay with #SJSharks, but he knows it’s ultimately not his decision. Says there haven’t been any talks at this point about an extension— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) September 18, 2025
Ferraro is focusing on being the best player he can be for the Sharks. At 27 and with a low cap hit, Ferraro’s age and playstyle could fit a playoff team as a perfect 4-6 defenseman. Regardless of trade rumors that surround the d-man, Ferraro bleeds teal.
“I’m a Shark. That’s my mindset,” Ferraro said. “I’d love to stay a Shark, but I’m just focused on the season, and that’s all I can control. That other stuff, it’s not up to me.”
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Ferraro told reporters that the atmosphere around the San Jose Sharks isn’t something he focuses on anymore. Winning games is what the team cares about.
“I hate talking about the vibe, because now we’ve got to put some results together,” Ferraro said. “I feel like I’ve mentioned the vibe in the past couple years, but it is good.”
Trade rumors will likely surround Ferraro all season, a situation he has dealt with for the past few seasons.
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