The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching and the San Jose Sharks are one team that is looking to make some immediate upgrades. General manager Doug Wilson is looking to do a quick roster refresh on the team that is sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference. With a few days left in the trading period, veteran forward Ryan Clowe is said to be first on the trading block.
Clowe currently has a no-trade clause in his contract so he and his agent are active in the process of a trade that is more than likely set to happen. He is currently in the final year of a deal that expires on June 30 and over a dozen teams have expressed interest. Clowe understands San Jose is looking to get rid of him and would not be shocked by any deal.
"I'm aware of what's going on and anything happening with me has to go through me, so we'll see. I don't want to give a percentage or anything. Would I be surprised? Probably not. I wouldn't be shocked," Clowe said.
Clowe is interested in a trade that would also involve a contract extension right away. He is not open to signing with a team that does not have a chance at competing for a Stanley Cup. That could eliminate several possible candidates, mainly the New York Rangers who have pursued the forward. Clowe notes that he plays his best hockey down the final stretch of the season and 30-years old, he wants to join a team that will do that same.
The biggest suitor for Clowe is the Philadelphia Flyers. Clowe has averaged at least 20 goals over the past four seasons and the Flyers are in need of a big goal scorer. However, the Flyers are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and Clowe could veto the trade. While he has yet to score in this shortened season, that has not deferred the interest in a trade for Clowe. The Boston Bruins are also in the mix to get Clowe after they missed out on the Jerome Iginla trade.
According to league sources, a Clowe trade was expected to happen immediately once the trading period began so he could be headed to another team as early as Tuesday. At his age, he might not get the big contract extension he is hoping for. Clowe said he is prepared to continue playing for San Jose if the team in unable to get something worked out.
