San Jose Sharks REBUILD Hinges on Defensive UPGRADES | How Can They Fix The Defense?

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal challenge: can they upgrade their blue line and accelerate their rebuild? With just Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson under contract for next season, the Sharks must address four open defensive spots. The limited pool of promising internal candidates, such as Luca Cagnoni and Eric Pohlkamp, raises questions about immediate impact. At the same time, the 2026 NHL free agency market offers few top-tier defenders, forcing management to get creative. JD Young breaks down the Sharks’ options, spotlighting trade targets such as Rasmus Andersson, Dougie Hamilton, and Owen Power—plus the massive effect a potential Quinn Hughes move could have on the entire defense market. Cap space, asset flexibility, and the urgency for long-term solutions frame San Jose’s strategic dilemma. Can GM Mike Grier leverage the Sharks’ league-leading prospect pool to land a franchise-altering star? Dive into this analysis of San Jose’s defensive future. Check out the podcast on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DripDrop Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to https://dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNHL. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL livebets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit_ FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.