Buyers or Sellers?
Sellers -- sort of. The Sharks already made a deal by sending draft picks to the Leafs for Nick Spaling and Roman Polak, so they could use a trade in which the acquire some picks to replace what they lost. The Sharks also have to figure out what to do with Patrick Marleau, who is only getting older but also reportedly asked for a trade earlier this season. This is a team that will try to keep most of the roster intact as they compete for a playoff spot, but also has options for moves at the deadline.
Team needs
The Sharks have already fulfilled their biggest need; they were missing a solid physical defenseman, and they got one in Roman Polak. It would be nice if the Sharks could get some draft picks back, but it is not a necessity at the deadline. While San Jose could still make some moves, it does not seem likely that anything big will materialize before deadline day.
Key Players
Patrick Marleau
Aside from finding some prospects to move, the most likely player on the move for San Jose would be Marleau because of his reported trade request earlier this year. But moving Marleau would be tough since the team plans to compete in this season's playoffs, and Marleau as a key part of the team's second line and overall offensive depth. Still, Doug Wilson is a general manager who is not afraid to make moves, so he will keep the fanbase on their toes in the coming days.
Arielle Aronson covers the NHL and special features for FOX Sports. You can follow her on Twitter @aharonson28.
