The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline has officially come and gone, and while it was much quieter for the Sharks than in previous years, they did make two significant transactions today. Let’s begin:
First, the Sharks re-signed goalie Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $3 million. Ned has been solid as the Sharks backup goalie this season, compiling an 11-9-2 record, 2.83 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage in 21 starts in 26 games. He will also be getting the start in tonight's contest against the St. Louis Blues. This is great for the Sharks in keeping their current goalie tandem intact, and I am glad that Alex Nedeljkovic is sticking around in San Jose for at least the next two seasons.
Team Teal's last move before today's deadline is trading defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the Washington Capitals for a fourth-round pick in this year's draft that originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights. This season with the Sharks, Liljegren has one goal, ten assists, and 11 points in 43 games. I am thankful that Timothy Liljegren got traded before today's deadline because he has primarily been a liability on defense during his approximate two seasons with the Sharks. In addition, he is a pending unrestricted free agent this offseason and does not fit into the Sharks' long-term plans, and this will allow for Shakir Mukhamadullin to be more of a regular in the Sharks lineup for the remainder of this season and going forward. Lastly, while the Sharks did not make any larger moves to improve their defense at this year's trade deadline, moving on from Timothy Liljegren should at least be a slight improvement in this aspect of their roster.
Stay tuned for a recap of the Sharks' next game against the Blues coming later tonight.
Sources: Sharks + SAP Center App, Multiple Insiders via X
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