Yesterday, the San Jose Sharks made their first trade in over 2 months when the sent Anders Eriksson to Anaheim in exchange for Jiri Slegr. The swap of defensemen gives San Jose an instand upgrade on their blueline. Eriksson had struggled with the Sharks with only 13 points and a -12 rating. In 61 games this year Slegr has posted 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points. Sharks GM Ryan Schnell beleives that Slegr will bring a powerful offensive game, and he is expected to play on the #1 power play line. Although Slegr will be an Unrestricted Free Agent after the season, Schnell made this deal because Slegr makes a reasonable salary of $800,000 this year. He is expected to make his debut Saturday night in St. Louis when the Sharks take on the Blues. Every game will be critical from now on as the Sharks 4th in the Western Conference but only 5 points up on 9th place Minnesota. This is the Sharks expected defense going into Saturday:
Jordan Leopold - Mike Rathje
Jiri Slegr - Nick Boynton
Bret Hedican - Radoslav Suchy