Package trade in place between the Sharks and Wild?

Wild general manager Bill Guerin made it clear a few weeks ago that his team needed an important change in between the pipes and almost publicly signed the end of Devan Dubnyk’s time in Minnesota. 

His comments and hopes for the 2020-21 season got the attention of the San Jose Sharks and general manager Doug Wilson, so much so that several sources believe that a package deal could be put in place in a trade between the two teams from the Western Conference. The Sharks have reportedly been in touch with Guerin about trades for Dubnyk and Ryan Donato, and potentially could acquire them in a package deal. 

While the Sharks would need to send some salary the other way, this trade including both players could indeed work out well. Dubnyk is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $4.33 million cap hit and will pay him $2.5 million in salary. He put up a record of an .890 save percentage and 3.35 goals-against average in 30 appearances (28 starts) this past season, but hasn’t been the same player ever since the Wild acquired him in a mid-season trade in 2014-15. A change of scenery, on top of that to beautiful sunny California, could get him back into form and ready to support Martin Jones. Dubnyk does have a limited no-trade clause, but could be tempted to go with a team that wants his services. 

As for Donato, he too has one year left on his contract, but at $1.9 million. Over the last three seasons, which included a trade from Boston to Minny, he took part in 130 games and recorded 14 goals and nine assists in 62 contests. He wouldn’t be too expensive for the Sharks to acquire and could be molded into whatever type of player they need him to be. He is young and could be a top candidate to lead their crew  in the bottom six.

It remains to be seen what the Sharks would need to send the other way to get this transaction completed. However, Guerin has made some surprising moves lately and could accept picks and a player to get this done. 

The Sharks would manage to kill two birds with one stone…